Geelong speedster Gary Rohan is primed to reprise his game-breaking heroics when he confronts his former AFL club Sydney tonight.
The Cats will be without leading goalkicker Jeremy Cameron for the high-stakes clash at the SCG, the star forward sidelined because of a concussion sustained in an accidental collision with Rohan last week.
But Rohan stepped up after Cameron’s early exit against Melbourne and has taken a huge confidence boost from his match-winning performance.
“It was absolutely massive for him,” Cats teammate Jake Kolodjashnij told AAP.
“He was really good the previous week against Port Adelaide as well, so credit to him. Ever since he’s come back from that hamstring injury (in round 12) he’s really been pivotal and important for us.
“We love what he does; fighting for marks and his pressure around the contest is elite. He’s a great teammate to have.”
Cameron also sustained a shoulder injury in the collision with Rohan but the Cats are hopeful he will return for next week’s clash with North Melbourne.
Rohan was visibly shaken after the incident but refocused to showcase his talents, booting three goals to steer Geelong to victory over flag fancies Melbourne.
It squared the ledger at 7-7 and put them on the brink of the top eight leading into the Sydney clash.
“It was a pretty shocking incident but he stood up,” Kolodjashnij said.
“He was unbelievable, probably the game-changer in the end. We love the way he went about it. His speed once the ball hit the deck to push forward and really punish them was the real highlight.”
Rohan will partner with evergreen veteran Tom Hawkins in Geelong’s attack, while remodelled defender Esava Ratugolea returns from a hamstring injury at the other end.
Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield is also back after suffering a partially collapsed lung and cracked rib in round 14.
Beaten by Geelong in last year’s grand final, Sydney (6-8) is hanging in the finals conversation despite being smashed by injuries this season.
The Swans are coming off a record-breaking 171-point hiding of West Coast and have set their sights on an upset, having lost to the Cats by 93 points in round six.
“We’re looking ahead of us this week,” Swans coach John Longmire said.
“We know what Geelong can do. We know they’re a really good team, but we’re also confident in what we can do.
“It’s a new opportunity and game this week. We need to put our best foot forward.”
