TOM LONERGAN is the only Geelong player of the past five years to play in a Grand Final but not a premiership. It's something he wants to rectify on Saturday.

"I'm really excited," the shaggy-haired, bristly-bearded Cats' defender said on Friday, at the annual Grand Final parade through the streets of Melbourne.

However, the 27-year-old has not missed out through a lack of endeavor or effort or ability. Luck and good timing have not been on Lonergan's side.

After an on-field collision against Melbourne in round 21, 2006, Lonergan was taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma as doctors removed his right kidney. In a six-hour procedure, Lonergan's entire bloody supply had to be replaced three times, and he remained in a coma for four days.

After considering a premature retirement, Lonergan was delisted but re-drafted by the club as a rookie in 2007. While he missed the Cats' historic AFL flag that year - which broke a 44-year drought at the club - Lonergan returned through the VFL.

Six goals in a best-on-ground performance in the VFL Grand Final marked a triumphant recovery, and he was immediately elevated to the club's senior list for 2008.

Strong VFL form at the start of the season saw him force his way into the senior team in round 10 and he did not lose his spot.

Against Hawthorn in the Grand Final, Lonergan kicked the opening goal - and finished with 36 goals from 16 games - but did not complete the fairytale as the Hawks caused an upset and won by 26 points.

By the Grand Final of 2009, when Geelong beat St Kilda by 12 points, Lonergan had again lost his position in the team. He watched the game from the stands, in club suit and tie.

In one of Geelong's most successful eras, Lonergan had missed out.

But on Saturday, he will hold down an important position in the back half.

Following former captain Tom Harley's retirement after the 2009 Grand Final, Lonergan saw an opportunity in defence. It's one he's taken, playing 42 of a possible 48 games in the past two seasons.

With every game he has improved, tweaked things, understood the life of a backman and learnt his craft. It seemed to dawn on him at the parade how things had changed since the last time he sat on the back of a Toyota on Grand Final eve.

"I guess last time I was here I was playing in the forward line and I've gone down back and really enjoyed my time playing alongside guys like Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright and Harry Taylor. I'm really excited to be a part of the back six of Geelong," he said.

Lonergan knows his story is interesting. But he wants a premiership, not an injury, to define his career. 

"I got over that [injury] probably about a year or so after the accident so I've moved on and am just like every other player out there now. I'm feeling confident and ready to go," Lonergan said.

"You ask any player in the AFL and their ultimate goal is to win a premiership and I'm no different. We're a chance tomorrow and I'll be doing the best I can."

Follow Callum Twomey on Twitter at @Cal_Twomey.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs