AFL 2024: Geelong star Cameron Guthrie sidelined for up to 10 weeks with quad injury

The verdict is in for the luckless Cameron Guthrie after his unfortunate blow against Carlton last week, and it isn’t good news for the Cats.

Cameron Guthrie will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. Picture: Michael Klein

Important Geelong midfielder Cameron Guthrie will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks with a quad tendon injury in a devastating blow for the Cats.

Guthrie was struck down after delivering the first kick of the match in Geelong’s first pre-season hitout against Carlton, collapsing to the ground and coming off in the hands of trainers clutching his right leg.

It was the 31-year-old’s first match against senior opposition since round six last season after a season marred by a toe injury, getting back to play a VFL match late in the season.

The eight-to-ten week timeline could see Guthrie miss the first nine rounds of 2024.

The setback is all the more cruel given the two-time Carji Greeves medallist had been flying on the track this pre-season, having spent his break in America completing a training block.

First round draft talent Jhye Clark and utility Jack Bowes, who both received significant centre-bounce minutes in the opening practice match with Guthrie off, appear to be the front-runners to fill the void.

The injury also places extra responsibility on the shoulders of dynamic 21-year-old Tanner Bruhn, who has been used in the engine room more often this pre-season.

Cameron Guthrie trudges off against Carlton. Picture: Michael Klein

“The prognosis indicates Cam will be sidelined for 8-10 weeks, Cam is the ultimate professional who will attack his rehab diligently with the support of our medical team and we look forward to having back on the field in the early part of the season," Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said.

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield was disappointed to not have Guthrie out there but praised the mindset of his premiership teammate, who he considers to be one of the AFL’s best.

“No doubt, super tough. But he’s a bloody resilient guy Cam, his attitude going into training the other day,” Dangerfield said.

“His attitude as always is first class and its ‘don’t worry about me, I’ll be back soon’ and all that sort of stuff. There’s no doubt he is one of the best players in the comp, I think, and we’d prefer to have him out there than not, but sort of have to deal with what it is and get ourselves in the right spotto be ready to go once he is back up and firing.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong star Cameron Guthrie sidelined for up to 10 weeks with quad injury