Geelong veteran Gary Rohan makes surprise appearance at training a week after surgery on fractured skull

Geelong veteran Gary Rohan has made a surprise appearance at training, a week after undergoing surgery on his fractured skull.

Rohan has already been ruled out of action this week, but did some light ball drills as teammates ramped up their preparations for Saturday’s preliminary final against Brisbane.

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

The 33-year-old was sporting a nasty scar on his head with over 30 staples clearly visible through a shaved section of his head.

Rohan has not yet been ruled out of the grand final, should the Cats make it, but would be at long odds to force his way in.

The speedster needed surgery on his skull after copping a glancing blow to the face during the Cats’ VFL loss on nine days ago.

He also suffered a concussion from the incident.

Rohan released an update from his hospital bed the day after the game, 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, who played a key role in the Cats’ 2022 premiership, is out of contract at the end of the year and remains without a deal for 2025.

Meanwhile, fellow veterans Cam Guthrie and Tom Hawkins also trained strongly on Monday, but appear unlikely to force their way into the Cats team.

There is also intrigue around versatile tall Sam De Koning, who could be a chance to come in to combat the Lions’ tall forwards.

Vice-captain Tom Stewart is a certain inclusion after missing the qualifying final with illness.

“He’s been training really well, Tommy. He’s got to get through training this week, but we all do. Tommy’s in the same boat,” superstar forward Jeremy Cameron said.

“He’s going well. Exciting to have him come back, for sure.

“We know what Tommy’s like and how big of a player he is for the club.”

Oisin Mullin is looming as the player most likely to make way for Stewart, but it shapes as a tough week at selection for coach Chris Scott.