Jack Henry Biography

Jack Henry will miss the start of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery on his foot.

"Jack Henry will undergo surgery on his foot on Tuesday after landing awkwardly while playing against Hawthorn last week," the Cats said.

"After consulting a leading foot specialist in Brisbane, and assessing a number of options, surgery was deemed the best outcome. Jack will be sidelined for the medium term."

Jack Henry signs a new deal to remain at Geelong in 2021.

After playing 23 of a possible 25 games in 2019, the 22-year-old has featured in all 14 matches in 2020. It is a record that stands at 59 of a possible 61 games since his debut in round two, 2018.

Fremantle will have first call on an exciting West Australian prospect, who is shaping as a possible first-round pick at November's NAB AFL Draft.

Liam Henry has emerged as one of the most talented players in his state, with the scintillating forward/midfielder's form catching the eye at colts level in WA.

The indigenous teenager is tied to the Dockers under Next Generation Academy rules and trained with the club last year.

"Liam's a really special individual. He's really well organised in his life. He's an intelligent boy and a part of our leadership group as well," West Australian state talent manager Adam Jones said.

"His on-field prowess is he's a really smart player as well. Whether he's playing wing, forward or as an inside midfielder, he's clean and knows how to find the football.

"He makes really good decisions, is composed and can kick both sides of his body, so he's another really good prospect we've got coming through."

Jack Henry signs a contract extension to remain at Geelong until the end of 2020.

Henry has played all 16 games since his debut in round two, holding a key role in defence.

"It was a pretty easy decision to sign on, I've always loved this club growing up," Henry said.

Jack Henry is the 2018 round 7 AFL Rising Star Nominee after an 18-disposal, 11-mark effort in the Cats' win over GWS.

Henry grew up idolising the Cats during their golden era and was in the MCG stands to watch them win the 2007, 2009 and 2011 premierships.

He lives with his parents and two brothers within walking distance of Geelong headquarters, and still owns a book full of player signatures gathered at the gym across the road that his mum works at.

"It is pretty crazy just going into the club and seeing some of the guys I've grown up watching, and now I'm working with them," Henry said.

"I'm lucky how everything's panned out; being picked up by Geelong and living down the road. It's a dream come true.

"But I've been here for the best part of a year-and-a-half now, so it's worn off a little now – I'm not as star struck, anyway."

Jack Henry makes his AFL debut for Geelong at the MCG with 5 disposals (3 kicks and 2 handballs), 2 marks and 2 tackles in a 1-point loss to Hawthorn.

Cats coach Chris Scott confirms that Jack Henry will make his AFL debut this week.

"He's well and truly earnt his spot," Scott said.

"We're hopeful he can keep playing in a similar manner to the way he's been going at VFL level. If he does that, he'll have an impact on the game.

"He's a very flexible player, that's one of the things he's always had in his favour. Even as a relatively raw player coming onto our list, he's got more of an athletics background."

Henry Playfair leaves the Swans to join St Kilda as an assistant coach.

Playfair has been an assistant under John Longmire for the past six seasons, steering the forward line from 2012-15 and the defence for the past two years.

It is anticipated the 34-year-old will take over the Saints' backline in a coaching re-shuffle under Richardson.

Geelong select Jack Henry with pick No.16 in the 2016 Rookie Draft.