Jack Henry opens up on Geelong return after foot surgery

Having injured the same foot three times, Jack Henry went through a ‘tough’ road back to Geelong’s side. But the premiership Cat took it all in his stride.

Jack Henry kicks for goal. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong defender Jack Henry says rehab after his latest surgery was a “dark, isolating place” but the premiership Cat is confident his foot woes are a thing of the past.

The adaptable tall knew almost immediately that he had re-injured his foot during a practice match against Hawthorn back in February, the third time he had suffered a blow to the same foot in a 12-month period.

Jack Henry spoils Cody Weightman. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Henry said he was “pretty optimistic” immediately from that setback that he could put the issues behind him, with the Cats sending him up to Queensland for surgery in a bid to fix the problem once and for all.

After missing 10 weeks in the early part of the 2022 season with the same injury, Henry said it was tough to miss the first nine rounds of this year.

“It was tough, definitely the repeat injury of the same foot is tough,” he said.

“I think I knew I did it when it initially happened. I was pretty optimistic. I had a different surgery and they (the doctors) spoke about what they thought might help fix it and why it was fracturing. I was pretty optimistic after that surgery.

“It can be a dark, isolating spot the old rehab. We have a great support system at the club … but the only thing that can fix it is when you get back out and playing.

“It can be a grind going through an extensive rehab, particularly after (doing it) a few times, so I am grateful that I was able to come out and play in a win (over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday).”

Henry said he remained positive after the surgery and returned to running with a bounce he hadn’t shown since his first foot injury.

He booted two goals on his return against Fremantle in round 10 before being sent to his customary position in defence in the past fortnight.

“I had some great feedback to be honest with how I was moving and they thought I might have actually had a bit more bounce in my run than in the last couple of years,” he said.

“So I had a lot of good feedback in how I was actually moving and I got back a little quicker than I was expecting actually.

“I didn’t rush it and I actually recovered pretty well this time. I am feeling good now.”

Originally published as Jack Henry opens up on Geelong return after foot surgery