Six hundred and sixty five days. That’s how long it’ll be between AFL games when Tim Mohr runs out for the GIANTS on Saturday.
When he last ran onto an AFL ground, it was a cold Saturday night at Spotless Stadium with Geelong’s Steve Johnson collecting the three Brownlow votes.
A lot has changed in those two years, with Johnson now playing alongside Mohr and the GIANTS no longer the easy beats of the competition.
Having overcome two knee reconstructions, one of the club’s most popular figures will finally return to the field against the Gold Coast Suns.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’m just really excited to be back out there,” said Mohr as he prepares for his 44th AFL game.
“I’ve done all the hard work now and it’s time to show the coaches that I’m still up to AFL standard.”
Originally from Tasmania, Mohr joined the GIANTS in 2011 via the Casey Scorpions in the VFL.
Having torn his ACL in round 18, 2014 against Cats, Mohr was progressing well through the NEAFL when tragedy struck in May 2015 when an innocuous change of direction brought him down again.
While the 27-year old admits to having struggled at certain times throughout his time on the sidelines, Mohr said the support of his parents, older brother and team mates has helped him stay strong.
“I had Jonny Patton with me with my first one (reconstruction) which helped a lot as we rebounded off each other.
“The last one was a lot tougher, i was out there doing laps of the oval by myself, so it was mentally draining but I always saw the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Mohr has played five NEAFL games this season averaging over 20 possessions a match roaming across half back.
With the help of his booming right boot, Mohr even snuck forward to kick two goals in the round one match against Sydney Uni - not a bad effort for a player who’s only AFL goal came in 2012.
With co-captain Phil Davis sidelined with a hamstring injury, the key defender is likely to get the job of taking on the in-form Tom Lynch.
The Gold Coach spearhead is averaging four goals a game this season but Mohr believes he’s ready to go.
“My NEAFL form has been pretty good so it gives me a lot of confidence going into the next level.”
“I know it’s a step up but I’m ready for the challenge.”
