GEELONG’S All Australian centre half back Matthew Egan will not play in 2008 after scans revealed that he would require further surgery on his foot.

Egan has not played since fracturing his right foot in the final round of the home and away season last year.

The 24-year-old had three screws inserted into his foot in September, but the screws were later removed after causing problems. Egan underwent a bone graft in February.

Egan had resumed low impact training in recent weeks, but he suffered discomfort last week and underwent further scans at the end of last week. The specialist advised Egan yesterday that he will require further surgery and that he should not return to training again until January at the earliest.

Geelong’s assistant general manager of football operations Steve Hocking told gfc.com.au that the news was a setback for the young man but expected him to come back stronger next year.

“This is obviously devastating for Matthew, his teammates and everyone associated with our team,” Geelong’s assistant general manager of football operations Steve Hocking said.

“Matthew is an incredibly mentally strong individual and we know that while he is down at the moment, he will overcome this setback and come back at his best in 2009.”

Egan will have surgery as soon as possible and may spend some time away from the club in the short term.