Richmond has promoted former Essendon midfielder, Sam Lonergan, from its rookie list to the primary list.

Lonergan, the Tigers’ second selection in the AFL’s rookie draft last December, replaces Chris Knights, who has been placed on the Club’s long-term injury list.

Knights ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee during last Saturday’s win against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium and has subsequently undergone surgery.  He will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Lonergan, 182cm and 81kg, is renowned for his toughness, tenacity and strong clearance work.

He made his AFL debut with Essendon in 2006 after being recruited from Launceston, Tasmania, at pick 50 overall in the 2005 National Draft.

The 26-year-old played 14 senior league games in 2012, to take his career total to 79, before being delisted by the Bombers at the end of the season.

He had an interrupted start to the 2013 season at VFL level with Coburg, due to a hamstring injury, but has played the past couple of games and shown signs of returning to his best form.