Geelong’s Tom Lonergan and Josh Cowan have agreed to one-year contract extensions with the club.

Lonergan’s contract extension will see him enter his 15^th season at the Cats. 

The 32-year-old defender has played 186 games in the blue and white hoops since being drafted from Yarrawonga in the 2002 national draft.

In round 23 this year, Lonergan marked 10 years to the day since he lost a kidney in an on-field collision in just his seventh AFL game. Returning to football at the highest level almost two year later, Lonergan continued on to become a premiership player in 2011.

Lonergan played 22 out of a possible 24 games this season and finished ninth in the club’s ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal. Lonergan has played 186 games and kicked 55 goals since his debut in 2005.

Cowan, 25, played nine consecutive AFL games in 2016 including two finals after breaking into the side in round 17.

Originally from Daylesford, the midfielder was recruited from North Ballarat with pick 59 in the 2009 national draft has played 14 AFL games over seven seasons after hamstring and Achilles injuries restricted his opportunities.

WATCH: Josh Cowan's 2016 highlights

Geelong’s general manager of football Steve Hocking said the club was pleased to have secured Tom and Josh for season 2017.

“We are really pleased to have both Tom and Josh on board for another year, their football talent, character and the way in which they live our values is an asset to the club,” Hocking said.

“Tom’s football is still of the highest quality and we are confident he will continue to be a leader and mentor to our young defenders in 2017. 

“Josh is a young man with resilience and his work ethic and attitude towards his football is why he is so respected within the club.

“When things haven’t fallen his way, Josh’s character has never waivered and we look forward to seeing Josh enjoy continuity in his football.”

In other changes, Tom Ruggles has been promoted to the Primary List and James Parsons has been retained as a Rookie.

WATCH: Tom Ruggles' 2016 highlights

The Cats have also signed promising 19 year-old Irishman Mark O’Connor as a category B rookie.

O’Connor recently impressed at the AFL draft combine and drew the attention of a multitude of clubs. He is a two-time All-Ireland minor medallist and is seen by most as a future star of the Gaelic game by his hometown county Kerry.

“I feel privileged and honoured to join such a great club as Geelong,” O’Connor said.

“From the moment I walked into the club I felt comfortable and thought this would be the best place for me to pursue my AFL career. I am looking forward to working hard with the coaches and players to improve my game and become a better player.”

WATCH: Mark O'Connor's Gaelic football highlights

Geelong’s national list and recruiting manager Stephen Wells was impressed by O’Connor’s efforts at the draft combine and in his personal interactions.

“We were all very impressed by Mark on a personal level, and in what he displayed at the draft combine,” Wells said. 

“The transition from Gaelic football to our game is never easy, but we know that Mark will do everything he can to make that switch a success. He has a great work ethic and a commitment to come to Geelong and do all the work necessary to become an AFL player.”