Geelong’s Gary Rohan praised for response after collision with teammate Jeremy Cameron

The full extent of Jeremy Cameron’s concussion has been confirmed and the reaction of one teammate has drawn high praise.

Gary Rohan makes accidental contact with Jeremy Cameron. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Geelong superstar Jeremy Cameron has been discharged from hospital and cleared of any issues beyond the concussion that forced him to be stretchered from GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.

Cameron was knocked out in an accidental collision with teammate Gary Rohan and sent to hospital for observation.

But the club on Friday afternoon confirmed Cameron had been released and would enter AFL concussion protocols, with further assessment to determine a playing return in the coming weeks.

“Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron was discharged from hospital in the early hours of this morning after being involved in a collision during the first quarter of last night’s match against Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium,” the club said in a statement.

“Following further assessment at the hospital Cameron has been cleared of any initial concerns and will continue to be assessed and monitored by the club’s medical staff.

“Cameron has entered the league’s concussion protocols and will miss the club’s round 16 match against the Sydney Swans next Friday night.”

Jez was discharged from hospital in the early hours of this morning 💙

Following further assessment at the hospital, he has been cleared of any initial concerns and will continue to be assessed and monitored by the Club’s medical staff.

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) June 23, 2023

Rohan looked shell-shocked after the collision but after the Cats senior players got around him, the forward showed some steely resolve, kicking a goal in the minutes after before going on to star in his team’s win over Melbourne.

It could have easily gone the other way, but Rohan’s maturity drew high praise from coach Chris Scott for showing care for Cameron and then for the game in what was a must-win clash for the Cats.

“I don’t generally individualise … but to my eye Rohan was the most dangerous player on the ground,” Scott said.

“Because he is the person he is, it did rattle him because he is not a sociopath. He has some empathy for one of his best friends who he’s accidentally knocked out.

“The way he could refocus on what the team needed was very admirable.

“He was really rattled by it as one would expect, but his approach and maturity to really attack the game (was admirable) and if anyone won the game for us it was him, so I am really proud of him and others as well.

Gary Rohan checks on teammate Jeremy Cameron after their collision. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Any time one of your players needs to be taken to hospital, even if it is for observation, it leaves us all a little bit shaken.”

Rohan finished the night with three goals in Geelong’s 15-point win that kept the reigning premiers in touch with the top eight.

Originally published as Geelong’s Gary Rohan praised for response after collision with teammate Jeremy Cameron