Geelong forward Gary Rohan has returned to training one week after he suffered a fractured skull while playing in the VFL.

Despite already being ruled out of the Cats’ preliminary final clash with Brisbane on Saturday, Rohan appeared on the track alongside teammates at GMHBA Stadium on Monday.

The veteran sported visible surgery scars, including a shaved section of his scalp from ear to ear, which revealed dozens of staples.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and is yet to reveal if he will look to extend his career beyond this year.

The former Sydney Swan has kicked 216 goals across 204 games, including 98 appearances in the hoops for Geelong.

Rohan has not featured in the club’s finals series, alongside long-serving spearheard Tom Hawkins.

The Cats were all conquering in their 84-point qualifying final win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval last week with their remodelled forward combination of Jeremy Cameron and Shannon Neale booting six goals between them.

Hawkins, 36, has not played at senior level since he injured his foot in round 15 and despite recently returning through the VFL, an AFL return appears increasingly unlikely. Hawkins has already announced he will retire at season’s end.

Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie looms as another heartbreak story while vice-captain Tom Stewart, who missed the qualifying final with illness and hamstring tightness, appears a likely starter against the Lions.

The Cats will host Bribane at the MCG following the club’s semifinal victory over Greater Western Sydney.