Ex-AFL key defender Matthew Egan is suing a surgeon and the Geelong club doctor over a foot injury that caused him to miss out on the 2007 grand final victory over Port Adelaide and ended his football career.
The Geelong All-Australian defender broke a navicular bone in his foot in the final home-and-away round of 2007 against Brisbane.
The injury ended his playing career and caused him to miss the Cats' first premiership in 44 years.
The 31-year-old is suing his treating orthopaedic surgeon Mark Blackney and Geelong's sports medicine physician Dr Chris Bradshaw, for failing to give him appropriate care and advice for his injury.
Mr Egan had surgery and rehabilitation under Mr Blackney's supervision for the fracture with a view to it enabling him to play in the grand final against Port Adelaide, according to court documents.
But he suffered pain during rehabilitation and was told he would not be available to play.
In a statement of claim lodged in the Victorian Supreme Court on Tuesday, Mr Egan alleges both medical professionals failed to discuss with him the treatment options available for his fracture, the surgery risks and the fact there was "virtually no prospect" of him playing in the grand final.
Mr Egan says in the writ that since the surgery and rehabilitation, he has been unable to return to playing AFL football, was delisted from the club's playing list in 2010 and has undergone six further operations.
He is suing for injury, loss and damage, saying he now has restricted movement in his right angle, scarring and continuing pain.
The writ says Mr Egan brings no claim for loss of earnings or loss of earning capacity.
Mr Egan remained on Geelong's list until 2010 but did not add to his career tally of 59 games.
Mr Egan is a current Essendon assistant coach.
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