Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead has fronted the media to provide an update on his ongoing battle with melanoma.
The 29-year-old was previously diagnosed with the disease in 2015, and has been sidelined from football indefinitely since announcing the recurrence of the illness in mid-May.
Speaking with Roughead, club doctor Michael Makdissi, stated: “Jarryd has had a recurrence of his melanoma. He’s been feeling well and perfectly fine, so it has come as a bit of a surprise to us.”
Makdissi went on to explain that the new cancers were picked up on a routine scan that have been conducted since the initial diagnosis.
“He has four small spots on his lung. It’s a serious problem, but we’re confident of a good outcome,” Makdissi stated.
When asked about his emotion toward learning that the disease had returned, Roughead stated: “When the news hit it was shock – I didn’t really believe it.”
“Now we’ve had the biopsy and we understand what needs to happen, it’s just like ‘Righto, let’s get going’.”
When asked whether the illness could end his playing career, Roughead was quick to quash out any rumours that he would be retiring.
“I heard rumours I was going to retire today. But I’m 29 and I’ve got two years on a deal – hopefully longer.”
The four-time premiership player will start treatment next week.
“The drugs we need to use are very good, the percentages are very good,” Roughead said.
“I don’t lose my hair… I am still going to be the same old me. Unfortunately, I just can’t play.”
Roughead will have four doses of immunotherapy as his initial treatment, three weeks apart.
He said he was encouraged by the support he had received from the AFL community and his teammates.
“It’s great when you’re getting 100 per cent support, I’m not feeling down right now I know what I have to do.
“I know it’s going to be a bit of a battle for the next 12 months, but I’m still here, I’m still fine.”
The Roar wishes Jarryd Roughead all the best during this time.
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