Geelong Cats forward Gary Rohan set to play in fourth grand final against old team Sydney Swans

Geelong forward Gary Rohan is set to play in his fourth grand final across two clubs. Here’s why his pursuit of an as yet elusive premiership is different this time.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Gary Rohan of the Swans marks during the round 16 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast Suns at Sydney Cricket Ground on July 8, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Gary Rohan has faced his fair share of criticism over his football journey, but the Geelong forward said he always had confidence in his ability to impact a contest.

Rohan has battled a flu for the “last couple of weeks”, but the Cat will be right to play on Saturday and is hoping to finally claim a premiership medallion after three failed attempts.

He said he had the backing from his coach, Chris Scott, to perform on the biggest stage.

“He (Scott) has always stood by me and knows the role I play, some people don’t really see what effect I can have on the team,” Rohan said.

Geelong vs Brisbane Lions at the MCG. Gary Rohan of the Cats . Picture by Michael Klein

“It doesn’t really bother me, you can write what you write it doesn’t bother me, I don’t read it.

“He says it to me every week, but obviously publicly it’s always good, he’s always got our backs.”

In the lead up to Geelong’s qualifying final win against Collingwood, Scott said the club valued Rohan’s ability to impact a contest without recording a huge stat line.

Rohan was one of the Cats’ best in the victory, kicking three majors from 14 disposals and assisting Max Holmes’ game-winning goal.

Geelong Cats assistant Eddie Betts, Tyson Stengle and Gary Rohan of the Cats celebrate after the AFL First Preliminary match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 16, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Darrian Traynor

The forward will have a chance to go ‘full circle’ on Saturday, with a grand final match up against his old side Sydney, where he played in two losing grand finals and missed a 2012 premiership through injury.

Rohan said he was excited at the chance being “fourth time lucky” and winning an elusive first premiership, after suffering three losses across two clubs.

Gary Rohan has played in three losing grand finals, with two coming against this week’s opponent: Sydney. Picture: David Caird

“It’s obviously a childhood dream to win one, been there three other times and unlucky, just got to put yourself back out there and keep pushing.

“I went down (with injury) in round 4 (2012), so a lot could have happened back then, but the enjoyment back in 2012 when the Swans won, it would be great to hopefully this week have that feeling.

Western Bulldogs Jason Johannisen gets tackled by Sydney's Gary Rohan in the 2016 grand final. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“I’ve always followed Sydney and always barracked for them, I was actually barracking for them on the weekend and I’m quite excited to go back out there against the Swans.”

Originally published as Geelong Cats forward Gary Rohan set to play in fourth grand final against old team Sydney Swans