TASMANIANS IN THE AFL 2016: Tim Mohr to return to footy this weekend for Greater Western Sydney

Mohr hasn’t played since round 18, 2014, when he tore his ACL against Geelong. 

He then required another knee reconstruction the next year after hurting himself on the comeback trail

Mohr has played five games in the NEAFL to build up his fitness, averaging 20 touches playing across half-back.

‘‘It’s been a long time coming and I’m really excited to be back out there,’’ Mohr told the Giants’ website.

‘’I’ve done all the hard work now and it’s time to show the coaches that I’m still up to AFL standard.

‘’My NEAFL form has been pretty good, so it gives me a lot of confidence going to the next level.

‘’I know it’s a step up, but I’m ready for the challenge.’’

The 27-year-old has had a long journey to the big time, being recruited to the Giants as a mature-age player after winning a best and fairest at Casey Scorpions in the VFL.

Mohr has played 43 games since making his debut in the Giants’ first ever game in round 1, 2012 against Sydney. 

He averages 14 touches and five marks a game, and was a rock in defence for the expansion club during its early days.

He will replace Greater Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis in the team, with Davis absent due to a hamstring injury.

Mohr is set to be given the task on Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch, who has been one of the rare bright spot in what has been a tough season for the Suns.

Lynch sits second on the Coleman Medal table with 28.8 for the season, behind Lance Franklin who has managed 29.17.

Lynch has been a model of consistency in front of the sticks this season, only once (in round 6 against Geelong) failing to kick four goals in a game.

He has managed five goals a game twice, against Fremantle in round 2 and Brisbane in round 4.

Mohr is the second AFL player from Northern Tasmania to be part of a great comeback story in successive weeks.

His return to the game follows that of Evandale’s Nathan Grima last round.

The 30-year-old, one of Essendon’s top-up players, made his debut in the red and black last week against Sydney, collecting 13 touches and taking five marks.

Grima had retired after playing 86 games for North Melbourne after facing the prospect of a third operation on his back.

But after that operation was surprisingly a success, he answered the SOS from the Bombers after they lost 12 of their senior players to suspension. 

Grima will come up against some old mates on Saturday when Essendon face the Kangaroos.

There are plenty of match-up options awaiting him, with North Melbourne boasting a number of tall forwards, including Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Tasmanian Ben Brown.