Geelong small forward Gryan Miers has re-fractured his right leg in a virtual repeat of the injury that sidelined him for 13 rounds earlier this year.
Miers had made his return to the AFL in round 16 after recovering from a hairline fracture to his lower leg (fibula) in round 3.
The initial injury sidelined Miers for almost 50 days, with the 22-year-old playing two games in the VFL in June before returning to the AFL in Round 16.
He took a total of 88 days to regain his place in the Cats’ senior side following the injury.
Miers sustained his latest injury in a knock to the site of his previous fracture in Geelong’s win over Richmond last Sunday, the Cats confirmed on Tuesday.
He will miss several weeks, although the Cats are optimistic he can return in time for the finals despite the previous injury sidelining him for about seven weeks.
“Gryan has been incredibly unlucky, with what appears a minor re-fracture of the previously-healed bone,” Geelong Cats football general manager Simon Lloyd said.
“Our medical team have consulted with several specialists today and determined surgery will not be required.
“We expect Gryan to undergo a similar path to recovery as earlier in the season and are optimistic Gryan will play football again in 2021.”
Prior to round 3 this season, Miers had played 53 consecutive AFL games since his debut in round 1, 2019.
He has played 57 games and kicked 58 goals for Geelong.
