Geelong premiership hero Gary Rohan in hospital with a fractured skull

Geelong premiership forward Gary Rohan is in hospital after suffering a fractured skull in the VFL on Saturday.

The veteran speedster was taken to hospital after copping a glancing blow to the face during the Cats’ VFL loss on Saturday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Gary Rohan ruled out of VFL game with concussion.

Rohan released an update from his hospital bed on Sunday, saying he is waiting for surgery.

“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,” he posted on Instagram, along with a photo of himself and his wife Madi.

“Now just waiting on surgery. Thank you for all of the messages and well wishes.”

Rohan lasted less than a quarter of the game in his bid to return to the senior team that has just made it to the AFL preliminary finals.

The 33-year-old forward was in discomfort after copping an accidental elbow to the head, and was taken down to the rooms for an HIA (head injury assessment) test.

“Just a glancing elbow there to the side of the face,” 7NEWS sports reporter Andrew McCormack said.

“He went down in the rooms with the doc (and it was) pretty clear straight away that he failed that concussion test.”

The injury appears certain to end his season and could also mean his career is over.

Rohan is out of contract at the end of the year and remains without a deal for 2025.

The 33-year-old has been in and out of the senior team this year, managing 12 senior games.

He last featured in the Round 23 loss to St Kilda.

Rohan was a crucial member of the 2022 premiership team, delivering a brilliant performance in that year’s qualifying final.

He has played 204 games since making his debut for the Sydney Swans in 2010.

Fellow veteran Tom Hawkins, who will retire when Geelong’s season ends, was inaccurate with 1.3 in his first VFL appearance since 2011.

It was the 36-year-old great’s first match at any level since he hurt his foot in Geelong’s Round 15 loss against Carlton.

Experienced midfielder Cam Guthrie worked his way into the contest to finish with 19 possessions, four clearances and a goal.

Guthrie has endured a frustrating run with injury since being a key member of Geelong’s 2022 premiership team.

The 32-year-old has been restricted to just four AFL games this season - the most recent in round 10 - after playing just six last year.

Versatile tall Sam De Koning, who starred in 2022 as a key defender has been overlooked for a senior recall and was soundly beaten in the ruck by Southport big man Brayden Crossley.

The premiership Cats will have to bide their time before the AFL preliminary final with the defeat to the Sharks ending their VFL season.

Mitch Knevitt, who has played 14 games across three seasons at Geelong, couldn’t have done any more to be considered for a surprise recall after starring with 39 possessions and 13 clearances.

- With AAP