GEELONG midfielder Jordan Cunico is in ‘good spirits’ after undergoing surgery on the weekend.

Cunico required an ankle reconstruction after he suffered a ‘severe fracture’ in the Cats VFL loss to Richmond on Friday night.

Speaking to Krock Football, General Manager of Football, Simon Lloyd says the 22-year-old is set return to the football field later this year.

“It will be a long-term recovery, but we still see Jordan playing a large chunk of football come the latter part of the season,” said Lloyd.

“He knows there will be a lot of football for him to play come later in the season and, according to the surgeon, the surgery went well. It needed a plate and screws.”



Irishman Mark O’Connor (hip flexor) and Tim Kelly (ankle) are both strong chance to face the Giants on Saturday.

“Mark’s moving freely today (Monday),” Lloyd said. “We’ll assess that during the week, as we will a number of other players.

“We’re expecting him to be available for this week.

“Tim had a scan and has got a low-grade sprain. He’s walking pain-free, and we’ll test him later in the week.”

In another good sign for the Cats, Cam Guthrie is edging closer to a return.

“He’s had several strong training sessions without any awareness (in the calf),” Lloyd said.

“He did a large volume of work late last week – of football and speed – and we’re hoping he’ll be available this week.”

Young defender Jack Henry is also ‘running well’ after missing the game against Adelaide with a minor hamstring issue.

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