When Tom Lonergan's AFL career was just seven matches old it appeared to be over.

The Geelong defender damaged a kidney so badly in the August 2006 clash with Melbourne that the organ had to be removed.

Thoughts of returning to the AFL appeared unlikely after an ordeal which involved emergency surgery, having his blood supply replaced three times, and spending four days in an induced coma.

On Saturday, Lonergan, now 33, will run out against Brisbane at the Gabba in his 200th AFL game.