Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 12, 2024 12:21 am GMT
Geelong forward Gary Rohan has made a surprising return to training just one week after suffering a fractured skull during a VFL match. Despite already being ruled out of the Cats’ preliminary final against Brisbane this Saturday, Rohan was seen on the field at GMHBA Stadium on Monday, training alongside his teammates.
Visible Injuries and Club Challenges
The 33-year-old veteran displayed noticeable surgery scars, including a shaved section of his scalp that revealed dozens of staples from his recent operation. Rohan’s injury occurred during a semi-final loss to Southport, where he sustained the fracture early in the match. He later took to Instagram to provide an update, saying, “Not the place I had planned to spend my weekend… scans have confirmed a fractured skull but I am doing well and in the best hands.”
Rohan, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has yet to announce whether he intends to extend his career beyond this year. Throughout his career, he has amassed 216 goals across 204 games, including 98 matches with Geelong since joining from Sydney in 2019.
Cats Prepare for Preliminary Final
While Rohan’s return is a positive sign for his recovery, he is not expected to contribute to the team’s performance in the upcoming preliminary final. The Cats will face Brisbane at the MCG after a commanding 84-point victory over Port Adelaide in the qualifying final.
Geelong has seen a combination of players stepping up in Rohan’s absence:
- Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale combined for six goals in the recent match.
- Tom Hawkins, another veteran, has struggled with injury, having not played at senior level since round 15 due to a foot injury. His return to the AFL appears increasingly unlikely as he also announced his retirement plans for the season’s end.
Other Player Updates
The Cats’ roster is under strain, with multiple key players facing injury concerns ahead of the final. Here are some notable mentions:
- Cam Guthrie: Registered 19 disposals, eight tackles, and a goal during the semi-final.
- Tom Stewart: Missed the qualifying final due to illness but is expected to be fit for the preliminary clash against Brisbane.
These updates raise concerns about the overall readiness of the Cats as they prepare for an essential match against a formidable opponent.
Gary Rohan trains at GMHBA Stadium just one week after his surgery.
Geelong’s Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Cats are focused on preparing for their preliminary final, despite the challenges posed by player injuries. They will need to build upon their recent successes to advance further in the playoffs.
Some key factors for the Cats as they prepare include:
- Strength in Forward Line: With Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale making significant contributions, the team’s forward line remains a strong point.
- Defensive Capabilities: The Cats will likely depend on their defense to stifle the Lions’ scoring opportunities, particularly with a potential return from player Tom Stewart.
As this season approaches its climactic end, the Cats are determined to harness their momentum and navigate the challenges of player injuries while striving for another shot at the AFL championship. Each game poses new obstacles and opportunities for the team.
Rohan’s strength inspires his teammates when things get tough. He shows everyone how strong the Geelong Cats are. The team is excited to use this energy in their last games as they prepare to play against Brisbane, hoping to win a title.
