The Burnie 25-year-old has been one of the success stories of the Magpies’ 2018 campaign, rising from obscurity to become one of coach Nathan Buckley’s most dangerous forwards. 

A win against West Coast would have Mihocek and high-flier Jeremy Howe become Tasmania’s third and fourth AFL premiership players in 12 months after Tigers Jack Riewoldt and Toby Nankervis tasted success last September. 

Lonergan, who is in town with a host of AFL names including Michael Hurley, Jackson Thurlow and Tom Bellchambers for Launceston Football Club’s Grand Final breakfast, said he was looking forward to watching Mihocek show his wares on the biggest stage of all. 

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“Jackson and I played under-18 Mariners with him and it’s good to see him get his crack at AFL,” Lonergan said.

“He’s been in the VFL for a few years and for his first year in the system to be in a grand final, it’s a pretty good effort.

“I know he’s put a lot of hard work into it so I’m looking forward to seeing him on the big stage.

“I haven’t seen him play for quite some time … but from what I remember he was always a really hard worker, really diligent and he was a backman as well – he got drafted as a backman and they’ve chucked him forward and it’s paid dividends.”

Lonergan and Thurlow both played in Launceston’s 2011 State League premiership before being picked up at pick 13 and 16 respectively in the 2012 AFL draft. 

The Blues also had Jake and Kade Kolojdashnij picked up in 2013, and appear likely to add Chayce Jones’ name to their list of AFL draftees this year.

The 18-year-old midfielder polled 12 votes in the TSL Player of the Year award despite playing just five games in the roster season due to Allies and Mariners commitments, and looms a possible top-20 pick.  

“I know from word of mouth from (Blues coach Sam Lonergan) that he’s played pretty well at the carnival and State League level - he’s a chance to get drafted and it’s exciting times ahead,” Lonergan said of the young ball-winner.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing another Launceston boy making his dreams come true.”

Now 23 years old, Lonergan is awaiting a new contract after his sixth season on Gold Coast’s list. 

Lingering knee cartilage problems helped restrict him to five games this year – his lowest tally since his debut season in 2013 – but the 60-gamer is confident of returning to his best form in 2019.

“I think I only strung three (consecutive) games together this year  ... but I’ve had surgery on that about a month ago now and I’m working my way back into running.

“I’m looking forward to being able to hit the season full steam ahead.”