A third foot injury in 12 months got Geelong swingman Jack Henry down, but an All-Australian teammate is certain he can be a gamechanger for the Cats when he returns.
Henry had foot surgery in the 2022 pre-season, before missing 10 rounds with a recurrence of the injury mid-year.
Jack Henry has been full of energy at training. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
He then suffered another blow while playing in a practice match against Hawthorn this year, which led to surgery and has seen him not play a game so far in 2023.
The premiership defender was given the all clear to return to the field this week and Stewart said his return would unlock a “massive weapon” for the Cats.
In his last full season, in 2021, Henry ran a close second in Geelong’s best-and-fairest to Stewart and blanketed champion Swan Lance Franklin in last year’s grand final.
Jack Henry after injuring his foot in March. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
“We don’t have to look back too far to the grand final last year and the roles he has played for us,” Stewart said of Henry.
“His flexibility across the ground and the roles he has played for us, forward, back and ruck. He gives us a massive weapon all over the field and being quite close to Jack, he has had some dark moments with this injury but I think you will see a very excited Jack Henry come the weekend.
“I think the recurrence of the injury, when you have (repeat) injuries you find you do go to those places.
“He is always in here working and is always one that is going to give himself every opportunity to play. It puts a smile on my face, he is a close friend and I am excited to see him back.”
Cats coach Chris Scott said this week selectors would debate whether to bring Henry into the side as a forward or defender, with Geelong left with holes at either end due to a long injury list.
Stewart said he would be happy to have Henry back, whether he lines up alongside him in defence or not.
“The flexibility he gives us, he could be a No.1 undersized ruckman, he is that good and I have massive confidence I the effect he is going to have on our group when he does come back,” Stewart said.