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THEY were terrible conditions for footy, but Tom Lonergan loved every second of it yesterday.

On a cold and wet Skilled Stadium, the 23-year-old Cat finally closed probably the most significant chapter in his life.

His comeback from a horrific incident that left him with one kidney has gained a lot of attention, so much so that Lonergan himself has wondered what all the fuss was about.

``I think other people think it's a bigger achievement than I (do). I was just doing what I do; I didn't think too much about it, although it was a pretty big deal,'' he said.

``I was nervous at the start, before the game, but once I got out there I was sweet.

``The first quarter I sort of was a little bit nervous still, but during the game it started to get easier and easier, and I just worked my way back into it.

``I was a little bit emotional, but it was just the fact of getting out there and doing what I know I can do.

``Once you get out there, your instincts take over and you just play the game. Everything else goes out the window.

``The build-up towards it's just been massive. Everyone's just been ringing and texting me.

``I had to switch my phone off last night, but it's good to get it over, and now I can hopefully concentrate on getting some form.''

Lonergan  started each quarter of his comeback game on the bench yesterday, coming on at about the 15-minute mark of each term.

While it took him nine minutes to record his first stat, he got more into the game as it unfolded, taking a few solid marks  in the forward line.

He had three shots for goal, but didn't make the distance to score a major, finishing with seven kicks, three handballs and five marks.

He moved around freely, wearing a protective guard, and said after the game he had been spurred on knowing his senior teammates had arrived at the ground early to see the start of his game.

``Yeah, I think most of the guys were here and they all text me and rang me last night, which was great. I got some great messages; it's pretty inspiring,'' Lonergan said.

``My brothers and my sisters and my mum wrote a big card for me, and it was pretty good.

``Mum and Dad are here. Mum was a bit emotional last night.

``I went and caught up with them, but it's good to get it out of the way. I'm sure they're relieved.''

Lonergan said he had no fears running back over the spot where his life changed.

``There was one time I did get over there, but the instincts take over and you don't think about things too much once you're out there,'' he said.

``The conditions didn't worry me; I was just running on adrenaline.

``It didn't worry me if it was windy or 25 degrees, I was just happy to be back out there.

``I've got a good soreness _ the soreness you feel after the game _ which is good. I'll be able to do my stretches; I'm looking forward to it.

``The aim is, the first couple of weeks just to find my way around the footy ground and then, hopefully, build some form up like I was playing in the VFL last year and put my name up there (for the senior list).''