The Geelong Cats have re-signed midfielder Josh Cowan and ruckman Nathan Vardy.
After long stints in rehab both Cowan and Vardy made successful comebacks to AFL level late in the season.
Originally from Daylesford, Cowan was recruited from North Ballarat with pick 59 in the 2009 AFL draft.
Achilles and hamstring injuries have robbed the 24-year-old of opportunity over his six seasons at the club where he has only played five AFL games, three in 2011 and two in 2015.
Cowan played his first AFL game in four years in round 6 against Collingwood but injured his hamstring halfway through the first quarter.
The midfielder’s luck turned and after a successful few weeks in rehab he made his return through the VFL in round 15 and returned to AFL level in round 23.
Vardy was selected at pick 42 in the 2009 AFL draft and like Cowan, has suffered numerous injuries over his six years with the Cats.
Vardy ruptured his ACL in a training incident in February 2014, forcing him to miss the entire season.
He continued his rehabilitation during the first half of 2015 but after four VFL games, made his long-awaited return to AFL in round 21.
The 200cm ruckman played the last three games of the season and booted five goals taking his career tally to 24 games for 24 goals.
Geelong’s General Manager of Football Steve Hocking hopes there is success ahead for both players.
“At 24, both Josh and Nathan have spent more time in rehab than most players do their entire careers, the resilience they have shown has been exceptional,” Hocking said.
“Josh is a really talented player and when he has been given an opportunity, he has grabbed it with both hands. For someone who hadn’t played in four years, it was fantastic to see Josh back out there in round 23.
“Nathan has experienced his fair share of roadblocks, particularly over the last 18 months. But to see him push through that and make a strong comeback to AFL was really pleasing for us.
“His ability to perform in the ruck and push forward is something we as a club value highly.”
