GARY Rohan will take another step forward in his recovery from a back issue when he lines up in Geelong’s VFL clash with Williamstown at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.
The livewire forward has been sidelined with a sciatica issue in his back and hip that impacted his involvement in pre-season.
However, he’s been working his way back into full training, which will include a run around in the reserves.
“Playing to perform is very different to playing as part of his training program,” coach Chris Scott said.
“He’s very much, over the next week or two, going to be getting some game time in the VFL that we consider to be part of his training.
“Probably limited game time, not so much that his subsequent sessions – even two days, three days post-game – will be compromised.”
Defender Jack Henry (foot) will be missing for the AFL clash with Fremantle, while Scott said he would know more after Thursday’s main training session whether Patrick Dangerfield (calf) will be right to take on the 5-1 Dockers.
“We’re optimistic that he’s going to be available,” Scott said.
“The question for us is whether we should play him given the lack of training he’s had over the last month, really.
“We will train today, so we will know more after the session.
“But, we’re not in a position to sort of say one way or the other just yet.”
Henry, who underwent pre-season foot surgery, had the same foot stood on during the loss to Hawthorn on Easter Monday.
“What I’m hearing from our medical team is that they’re going to treat him very cautiously and symptomatically,” Scott said.
“They think he could come together really, have no symptoms, and be able to play next week, or it might take a little bit longer.
“It really is one of those day-by-day things, based on how he feels. But they do have some confidence that structurally he’s quite sound.
“You might say, ‘quite sound? What does that mean?’ Not perfect. But not something that’s going to hold him up really long-term.”
Winger Sam Menegola is no certainty to join Rohan in the VFL
After suffering a concussion in the VFL against Collingwood at the start of the month, he is now battling knee soreness.
“If he doesn’t play, it’ll be more because they’re (medical staff) being a bit careful with his knee rather than any lingering concussive issues,” Scott said.
Click below to listen to Chris Scott’s media conference.
Twitter: @tom_king79
