Bendigo league: Jarryn Geary broken arm a cruel blow for Eaglehawk

See all the snaps from Saturday’s Bendigo league match between undefeated Sandhurst and under pressure Eaglehawk.

Eaglehawk star recruit Jarryn Geary will spend another lengthy stint on the sidelines after badly breaking his arm in a thrilling draw with ladder leader Sandhurst in the Bendigo league on Saturday.

Geary, who has returned to his original club after an injury-riddled 207-match career with St Kilda, was helped from the ground just before three-quarter time with initial fears he had suffered another serious shoulder injury.

Eaglehawk star recruit Jarryn Geary goes to ground in a tackle by a Sandhurst opponent. He suffered a badly broken arm in a later incident after kicking two goals in the third quarter. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

But a double break in his left arm will still see him miss most, if not all, of the season in a cruel blow for Eaglehawk, which had lost its three previous matches by a combined seven points.

“Everyone is really feeling for Jarryn at the minute given his history with injury,” Eaglehawk coach Travis Matheson said.

“He’s such a resilient person, but no doubt, he will still have a big impact on our season, albeit from the sidelines.”

Eaglehawk’s Kallen Geary tackles Sandhurst’s Noah Walsh. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Geary loomed as a match winner when he kicked back-to-back goals in the third term to help Eaglehawk open a 12-point lead at the last change, with the first of his goals following a towering mark near the 50m arc.

Eaglehawk kicked the first goal of the final term into the breeze, but Sandhurst booted the next three goals with a sensational long goal on the run from captain Lee Coghlan putting the Dragons in front by a point.

Eaglehawk’s Jarryn Geary marks in front of Sandhurst defender Isaac Ruff. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

One of Eaglehawk’s best players on the day, Noah Wheeler, had a chance to win the game late, but his set shot from 45m drifted left and tied the scores, 9.10 (64) apiece.

The Borough slipped to fifth on the ladder with the draw ending Sandhurst’s unbeaten start to the season.

“The result was certainly not what either team was hoping for,” Matheson said.

“It was a fantastic game of footy.

“For us it gives us plenty of confidence in regards to what our group is capable of.”

Sam Conforti and Lachlan Tardrew played their second matches of the season for Sandhurst with their respective VFL teams, Essendon and Collingwood, having a bye.

Eaglehawk’s Charlie Hillier celebrates a goal. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Both were in the best players along with James Coghlan and Zac Pallpratt, with the only downer being a hamstring injury to Andrew Collins.

“We had one eye on the fact it was season-defining for them,” Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow said.

“To be a game and a half clear on top halfway through the season is an amazing achievement.

“But if we’re comfortable with that, we need to have a look at ourselves because it doesn’t mean you win a premiership.”

Curnow hasn’t played since being injured against Gisborne in round 7.

Eaglehawk’s Jarryn Geary juggles a mark. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Darcy Richards and Sandhurst’s Tanner Nally compete for the ball. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Lewin Davis soars over Sandhurst’s Cooper Smith. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Ladder leaders Sandhurst and Eaglehawk played out a draw in the Bendigo league on Saturday. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Sandhurst’s Nicholas Stagg attempts to kick the ball out of a big pack of players against Eaglehawk. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Sandhurst kicked the last three goals of the match against Eaglehawk. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Ben Thompson fists the ball clear of Sandhurst opponent Nicholas Stagg. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Cameron McGlashan leaps over Sandhurst’s Tanner Nally. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Sandhurst’s James Coughlan is run down from behind. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk midfielder Noah Wheeler pins Sandhurst’s Isaac Ruff in a tackle. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Kallen Geary takes front position. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk duo Kallen Geary and Sam Thompson compete in the air. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Eaglehawk’s Thomas Bennett and Sandhurst’s Cooper Smith battle for the ball. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Originally published as Bendigo league: Jarryn Geary broken arm a cruel blow for Eaglehawk