Geelong forward Gary Rohan’s teammates and coach have praised him for his three-goal performance in Saturday’s Qualifying Final win over Collingwood, which came after external scrutiny of his finals record.
Scott launched a staunch defence of Rohan during the week after suggestions on Channel 9’s Footy Classified that the 31-year-old was under pressure to perform this finals series.
Against the Pies, Rohan was enormous, booting three goals and applying brilliant pressure in what would finish a one-goal win over the Pies at the MCG.
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Speaking to foxfooty.com.au post-game, teammate Isaac Smith was full of praise for Rohan’s performance.
“We’re just so proud of him,” he said.
“We’ve got a great group and there’s points in time where every individual you doubt or don’t have the game they would like, but he was unbelievable today and he won us the game.
“Here’s to a big September for him.”
Smith added that, while he didn’t know how Rohan had absorbed the criticism, “it’s impossible not to hear it these days with phones and technology. You can’t hide under a rock.”
Scott was another who was glowing in his regard for Rohan.
“It’s not that anyone in our club, especially me, is critical of other people making that assessment, that’s kind of the job, I get it, but it’s just not the world we live in,” he said post-game.
“It is gratifying, I don’t mind saying that. We are really clear on what he can bring to our team and the way we play.
“He’s absolutely an energy giver, his teammates love playing with him and I’m just really proud of him.”
The Fox Footy team was also in awe of Rohan’s performance – particularly a towering mark and brilliant finish late in the fourth quarter – given the scrutiny he had been under.
“He was under pressure during the week and Chris Scott as a coach supporting his player handled it absolutely perfectly,” Nick Riewoldt said.
“It wasn’t just that last moment – it was a complete game from a small forward in a forward line that just didn’t function outside Jeremy Cameron keeping them in it early.”
Jonathan Brown added of Rohan’s mark and goal from 50 metres out: “It looked like Wayne Carey. It was unbelievable for him to go back and kick it.”
