But he had a mate at the Sydney Swans, one who had faced his own injury troubles and who would play a key role in Rohan's long, difficult journey back to full health.
Shortly after Rohan's surgery, Jed Lamb offered him a place at his house.
He cooked for him, kept an eye on him and generally helped out where needed as his surgically repaired leg slowly knitted.
It's a bond that reached an emotional high on Sunday when the two young Swans played in the 59-point win over St Kilda, teammates in the senior side for the first time.
"Gaz would be my best mate at the club," Lamb told AFL.com.au. "He moved in with me when he broke his leg.
"He was living with Dan Hannebery and (former Swan) Dylan McNeil and they liked eating out. Because I was best mates with him, I said 'You're more than welcome to come stay'.
"We set him up in our sun room, I started cooking for him and just looked after him with Tommy Walsh and (another former Swan in) Eugene Kruger.
"I was just happy to help out. I can't imagine what he went through.
"Sixteen months out of footy and at the start he probably thought he'd never play again.
"It's been a long, amazing journey."
Rohan came on just before three-quarter time, playing most of the final term and picking up five touches, launching three inside 50s and taking two marks.
Lamb, meanwhile, enjoyed one of his better games, managing 15 disposals, a career-best seven marks and kicking 2.1 with one out on the full from four shot on goal.
"I can't remember the last time I kicked one out on the full," he muttered.
"It would've been nice to kick four straight."
Apart from Sunday's slightly wayward radar, it has been an encouraging period for Lamb, who had his own troubles after being selected 21st overall in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Beset by injury, including recurring hamstring issues, the 20-year-old made his AFL debut in round six this year, 30 long months after being drafted.
He has since been dropped three times as he adjusts to life at the top level and knows he could still just be treading water before injured teammates such as Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta return.
But at least he's in the team right now.
"It's a good spot to be in," Lamb said.
"I know there's a lot of gun players to come back in with a lot of credits, like Goodesy. Each week I'm just trying to play my role.
"If I'm lucky enough to play finals, I'll just try to make the most of it.
"I know when they're right to play they'll come back in, which is fair enough.
"Hopefully it's later [rather] than sooner."
Lamb has no doubt, however, that his good mate Rohan will be a key Swan when the finals get underway.
"He's highly rated at the club and all the boys love having him out there.
"He brings a lot of energy and there's no doubt his pace helps the club a lot.
"I'm sure he'll be out there come September."
Twitter: @AFL_JD
