Geelong’s AFL campaign has suffered a major setback after star forward Jeremy Cameron was ruled out for several weeks following a shoulder injury sustained during the Cats’ clash against Greater Western Sydney. The key forward will undergo surgery after a heavy collision with GWS midfielder Clayton Oliver left him with an AC joint injury.

The injury occurred during Geelong’s Round 18 match against the Giants at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney. Cameron was forced from the field after the collision and was taken to hospital for medical assessment alongside teammates Tanner Bruhn and Jack Henry, who also suffered injuries during the match.

Geelong later confirmed that Cameron’s injury would require surgery, with his recovery timeline expected to be around four to six weeks. The club remains hopeful that the Coleman Medal-winning forward could return late in the home-and-away season or during the finals campaign, depending on his recovery progress.

The setback comes at a difficult time for the Cats, who have been dealing with inconsistent form and a growing injury list. Cameron had recently been used in a defensive role rather than his traditional forward position as the club attempted to manage his workload and maximise his influence across the ground.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the club would carefully assess the situation and avoid rushing Cameron back before he was fully recovered. The coach remained confident in the depth of the playing group, pointing to strong performances from younger players in the VFL as potential replacements during Cameron’s absence.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn veteran Tom Hawkins has also faced injury concerns, with reports indicating the experienced forward has required surgery management for a foot issue in previous seasons. The club has previously stated that surgery decisions were made after consultation with medical specialists to protect his long-term playing future.

Injuries to experienced players remain a major challenge for AFL clubs as teams push toward finals. Medical teams are increasingly focused on balancing short-term performance needs with long-term player health, particularly for senior stars carrying previous injuries.

For Geelong, Cameron’s absence places additional pressure on younger forwards and midfielders to step up during a crucial stage of the season. The Cats will need strong contributions from their wider squad as they fight to maintain their finals position.

The club’s medical staff will continue monitoring Cameron’s rehabilitation, with further updates expected as he progresses through surgery recovery and begins his return-to-play program.