Geelong are hoping midfielder Quinton Narkle's ankle injury isn't "a really serious one" after the young Cat was subbed out of Friday's win over the Lions.
Narkle was assisted off the Kardinia Park turf in the third term of the 10-point victory, sparking concerns for the 24-year-old after rolling his ankle in a loose-ball contest.
The emerging Cat was one of two late inclusions for the Round 4 clash, with forward Gryan Miers also coming into Chris Scott's side in place of Esava Ratugolea and Tom Stewart.
Narkle recorded 15 possessions across just 48% time on ground before the setback, with Scott stating post-game that the Perth product could be in line for a stint on the sidelines.
"He's pretty sore," Scott said. "I'm repeating what the medical staff told me. The mechanism was quite severe.
"They were a little bit worried about it, but a bit more optimistic that it's not a really serious one.
"It'll take a bit of time to tell. Those things tend to swell up pretty quickly and can hide some of the real damage."
The Lions came out of the loss unscathed, however former Geelong speedster Nakia Cockatoo was placed on report for rough conduct after a hit on Cats tall Rhys Stanley.
Nakia Cockatoo has been reported for rough conduct.#AFLCatsLions pic.twitter.com/CUPWn81k5F
— AFL (@AFL) April 8, 2022
Cockatoo collided with Stanley in the second half as the Geelong ruckman leant over the ball, with Cockatoo cleaning up the two-metre Cat and giving away a free kick.
The 25-year-old was immediately placed on report and will learn his fate Saturday evening. With Stanley able to play out the match it seems unlikely Cockatoo will face weeks on the sidelines through suspension.
The Lions will return to Brisbane for next Thursday's clash with Collingwood as they look to get back to winning ways, while the Cats will enjoy a 10-day break as they begin their preparations for the traditional Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn.