GMHBA Health Update | Round 24

Geelong Cats GM of Football Simon Lloyd shares the latest news in the GMHBA Health Update for Round 24

Cats players Esava Ratugolea, Tom Hawkins and Brad Close are set to miss Saturday’s Round 24 clash with Western Bulldogs following injuries sustained last weekend against St Kilda.
Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd said the trio had begun their respective rehabilitation programs and shifted their focus to next year.

“Esava Ratugolea injured his hamstring, which was obvious during the game.
It’s actually the opposite side to the injury he sustained mid-season,” Lloyd said.
“Tom Hawkins had a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury, so that’s relatively minor.
“Brad Close also had a moderate-grade lateral ankle injury, so he was unable to return to the field.
“So those three players will begin their rehabilitation program – or they already have begun – and hopefully will start to recover and shift focus on to next season.
” Rhys Stanley’s availability will be assessed later in the week as he looks to return from an adductor injury.
“He’s running at the moment.
He’ll be tested with change of direction and other aspects and measures he needs to tick off throughout the week, and we’ll assess his availability in the latter part of this week,” Lloyd said.

Cameron Guthrie and Toby Conway both made their return through the VFL last week, with Guthrie returning after 16 weeks out with a foot injury, while Conway looked impressive after a short stint sidelined with an ankle injury.
“Cam went through the whole game, so (it) was a successful return from his foot injury, which was really positive – even though the playing time was revised and reduced ,” said Lloyd.
“We will likely take a more cautious approach with Cam this week, but again, that decision still needs to be made and evaluated throughout the week.
“Toby Conway suffered a minor ankle injury last week and is back and looking good.
He was excellent, on the field he had a great influence and (it) was a really positive game for Toby.
With the finals now out of reach for the Cats, the Club will take a proactive approach with certain players as we look towards the 2024 season.
“We have to be proactive about some of the decisions we’ve had to make and Mark Blicavs had shoulder surgery yesterday,” Lloyd said.

“Gary Rohan will have ankle surgery on Wednesday, and Jeremy Cameron will have surgery on his problematic AC joint.
“It’s amazing that he’s been able to continue and perform at a certain level, and now it’s time to be proactive with his AC joint surgery, which will take place on Thursday.
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