Geelong star Gary Rohan’s career in doubt after fractured skull

The Geelong veteran requires surgery for a scary fractured skull after sustaining the injury competing in the VFL on Saturday.

Gary Rohan’s AFL career may be over after the Geelong star suffered a fractured skull on Saturday.

Rohan, who has endured an injury-troubled 2024 season for the Cats, was competing for the club’s VFL side during its semi-final loss to Southport at GMHBA Stadium.

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The 33-year-old was in the goalsquare during the first quarter when a Southport defender collided with him after spoiling the footy.

It only appeared to be an innocuous blow, but he was immediately in discomfort and made his way from the ground.

After being assessed Rohan was taken to hospital for scans, which confirmed the frightening injury.

“Not the place I had planned to spend my weekend,” Rohan wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday, alongside a photo of himself and wife Madi in his hospital bed.

Gary Rohan copping the hit and in hospital. Photos: AAP/Instagram

“Scans have confirmed a fractured skull but I am doing well and in the best hands.

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

A veteran of 204 games with the Cats and Sydney Swans, Rohan received a vast number of messages wishing him the best in his recovery.

“Oh mate really sorry to hear this. We’re all behind you,” one posted.

“Stay strong and wishing for a fast recovery mate,” wrote another.

“Very sorry to read this. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. We all can lose sight of how dangerous sport is,” stated another.

“Fractured skull sounds frightening. Hospital is the best place to be. I hope all goes well for you,” added a fourth.

Rohan celebrated his 200th AFL game in Round 17. Photo: Michael Klein

He began his career with the Swans. Picture: Toby Zerna

Pick No. 6 in the 2009 national draft by the Swans, Rohan made his AFL debut the following season and played 106 games across nine seasons in Sydney, including losing efforts in the 2014 and 2016 grand finals.

Traded to Geelong ahead of the 2019 season, he has played another 98 matches and contested two more grand finals with the Cats, winning his first flag with the team in 2022.

Rohan has played 12 matches for Geelong this season and considering he is off contract at the end of 2024, his career may be over.

Fellow veterans Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie are also competing in the VFL as they try to get back into a Geelong side that earned its way into a preliminary final following last Thursday’s 84-point belting of Port Adelaide.

Originally published as Geelong star Gary Rohan’s career in doubt after fractured skull