Ash Bolt
Geelong could be missing a key part of its forward line when the AFL season kicks off next month.
The Cats could be without small forward Gryan Miers for the round one with Essendon after the club confirmed this week he had undergone surgery.
Miers, who played just 15 games last year after fracturing his right leg, suffered a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle at training last week.
After consulting specialists, it was determined that surgery was the appropriate course of action.
General manager of football Simon Lloyd said it was unclear when Miers would return from the injury.
“Gryan is an important player for us, as he has shown over the past three years,” Lloyd said.
“We reviewed the scans and considered all possible options before determining that surgery was required.
“As we have seen with this type of injury, it is difficult to outline a return date, as everyone heals and rehabs differently.
“Gryan will undertake his rehabilitation diligently and professionally to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
Miers is not the only Cat to go in for surgery last week,
Former Hawk Jonathon Ceglar has gone under the knife, undergoing an arthroscope on his right knee after a training mishap.
“Jonathon’s surgery addresses a minor knee issue, and the expectation is that he will make a quick recovery,” Lloyd said.
The pair joins Sam Menegola and Jack Henry on the Cats’ injury list ahead of the season.
Menegola underwent knee surgery for a meniscus injury in October, while Henry is still undergoing rehabilitation from surgery on a partial fracture in his foot last month.
The Cats kick off their 2022 AFL season with the annual Country Festival game against the Bombers at the MCG on Saturday, March 19.
Their only official pre-season hit out will be against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Monday, March 7.
