One day in November to change Sam's life

On November 27 he does not know what he's doing.

The Tasmanian Devils midfielder could either be heading back to Hobart or packing his bags for a new life in any of the other Australian states.

"I don't know what the next year of my life is going to hold," the 18-year-old said.

"I think I'm a 50-50 chance of being drafted. If I do, I get to live my dream, if I don't, then there goes the dream and I wait to see if I get another chance next year."

Lonergan has been working towards November 26 since the day he joined the Beauty Point Tigers as a six-year-old to play against boys twice his age.

"I didn't get much of the ball," he said of his baptism of fire, but admitted it set his footy career up beautifully.

The former Beaconsfield Primary, Exeter High and Launceston College student joined Launceston at the ripe old age of 11, made his senior debut at 15 and swiftly graduated to the Tassie Mariners, Devils and the Allies representative side.

Earlier this year, Lonergan captained the Allies to a resounding success in the NAB Rising Stars Cup, claiming five goals and 21 disposals in a stunning performance against Victoria.

He also had a successful season in the VFL, proving particularly versatile in Devils coach Mathew Armstrong's plans.

All of which makes him a prime target for the AFL recruitment officers.

"They've been watching me for the last three years really," he said. "So every time you walk out on to a ground you know they're there.

"In the under-16s you feel they're generally watching the whole team but at under-18s you realise they might be there just to watch you, and may have been for some time.

"That's a good feeling but you cannot let it get ahead of you and just have to play your normal game.

"I knew at the start of the year this was my last chance and I've worked pretty hard to increase my chances and keep my hopes alive."

Lonergan, who said he has had "a few chats" with Port Adelaide, also met several club recruitment officers at a preparation day hosted by the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. But the Richmond supporter isn't fussy about particular clubs.

"Just getting drafted, getting my foot in the door at an AFL club, I'd be happy with," he said. "I'd settle for any of them, no worries about that. It's what I've based my whole life around.

"I'm pretty nervous about it. The uncertainty is very difficult. I don't know if I'm going to be in Tassie or Western Australia or Melbourne ... but it's all good experience which you learn from."

The uncertainty is just as difficult for the family and friends who will join the teenager at his draft barbie.

Parents Maurice and Ann are ready to provide either celebratory or commiseratory support, while girlfriend Alishia Fyfe knows how much the opportunity means to Lonergan.

"I'd be very upset for him if he didn't make it," she said. "We've been together for a while and we're pretty strong, plus at the moment, with him in Hobart, I don't get to see that much of him anyway."

Ann added: "We'll be here for him whatever happens on that day. It would be fantastic if he made it, especially when we've seen him work so hard for it."

And whichever club does claim Lonergan is guaranteed to increase its attendance by at least two when he debuts. "Just try and keep us away," said Mum.

Lonergan does have a plan B. It involves staying with the Devils in Hobart and aiming for an AFL Tasmania traineeship plus heading to university with a view to becoming a physical education teacher.

But whatever happens on November 26, he'll soon be in contact with the likes of Matthew Wade, Todd Grima, Sam Iles, Grant Birchall, Darren Crawford and James Armstrong - fellow Tasmanians who have formed a strong bond through enduring the draft torment together.

"We've probably been together for four years so I've formed some very close friendships out of that," he said. "You want to see them successful as much as yourself.

"I couldn't think of a worse feeling than getting drafted and then ringing up one of my best mates and finding out that he hasn't."