Cats midfielder sidelined after knee surgery

Geelong midfielder Sam Menegola will miss a large portion of the pre-season after undergoing knee surgery.

The club revealed on Thursday that the 29-year-old consulted with medical professionals shortly after the season's conclusion, with Menegola requiring attention for a meniscal repair in October.

The setback will see his preparations for the new season delayed, with the Cats eyeing a chance to redeem themselves following their disappointing finals exit this year.

Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd revealed the surgery on Menegola's troubled knee was a success, with the Cats star set to remain in Western Australia until 2022.

“Sam and the medical team were pleased with the outcome post-surgery,” Lloyd said.

“Sam is totally professional in all aspects of his football, and he will tackle the rehabilitation process with gusto. Sam has started his rehab in Perth and will return to Geelong in the new year.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Sam Menegola of the Cats handballs whilst being tackled by Jake Stringer of the Bombers during the round seven AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Menegola missed three matches early into this year due to a shoulder injury, playing the final 22 games of the season for Geelong.

The East Fremantle product will join defender Tom Stewart in recovering from injury this summer, with the All-Australian backman having had his 2021 campaign cut short due to a foot injury.