Geelong swingman Jack Henry could be sidelined for up to five months with a foot injury

A Geelong swingman is facing up to five months on the sidelines after a mystery foot injury proved to be far worse than first thought.

Young Geelong swingman Jack Henry has had surgery and could be sidelined for up to five months after a mystery foot injury proved to be worse than first feared.

Senior coach Chris Scott told reporters on Saturday night the club was confident the injury to his good foot – following three injuries within 12 months to the other – was unlikely to be a long term issue.

However, scans confirmed earlier this week the 24-year-old had suffered a Lisfranc ligament injury during the game against Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.

Scott confirmed on Thursday morning that Henry, who had been sent to the forward line in the absence of Tom Hawkins against the Power, would not play any more games in 2023.

“Jack Henry is unfortunately having a really tough run,” Scott said.

“He’s undergone surgery.

Jack Henry tackles Xavier Duursma at GMHBA Stadium in round 21. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“That’s a long term situation for him.

“The professionals are supremely confident that after four or five months of rehab, he’ll be able to get on with the rest of his career.”

Scott said Henry had now encountered issues with both feet, but none contained “chronic structural issues”.

“He’ll recover from this injury the same way he has with his other foot,” he said.

He said Henry’s most recent complaint had been difficult to diagnose, with even the young defender unsure what caused the injury.

Henry was subbed out of the game against Port in the third quarter. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“It was a difficult one for Jack, he couldn’t quite remember how it happened other than him being trod on,” he said.

“In actual fact, the contact wasn’t to the top of his foot but it was the back of his heel.

“Which is a classic, compression Lisfranc-type injury.”

However, Scott said it would open the door for Shannon Neale to play his first senior game in 2023, with the young tall kicking 14 goals from his past six VFL matches after returning from an early season ankle injury.

“On the flip side it gives Shannon Neale an opportunity to come in and play in our forward line,” he said.

Shannon Neale handpasses clear against Port Adelaide in round 19 last year. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We were really optimistic about what Shannon could do at the start of the season.

“He’s just had some bad luck as well and found himself injured at the wrong time.

“It’s been a bit of a frustrating year for him.”

Meanwhile, Scott said champion forward Tom Hawkins, who missed last round against Port due to a minor hamstring strain, would not play against Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG.

“He’s looking good,” he said.

“It’s a good sign he’s making good progress and we fully expect him to play before the end of the home and away season.”

Originally published as Geelong swingman Jack Henry could be sidelined for up to five months with a foot injury