MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: George Horlin-Smith (R) of the Cats ceebrates with Joel Selwood (L) and Mitch Duncan after kicking the winning goal during the round two AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Geelong's match winner against North Melbourne on Sunday, George Horlin-Smith, has been ruled out of the Cats' round three clash with Melbourne.
Horlin-Smith, who kicked the winning goal with just over 60 seconds left on the clock on Sunday, has had surgery after fracturing his thumb during the last gasp win, coach Chris Scott revealed on Wednesday.
"George Horlin-Smith unfortunately has had surgery on a fracture in his thumb. He'll miss this week," Scott said.
"It was actually the last contest. It seemed after the game it was something minor but as it turned out, he does need that week off."
Meanwhile, Scott remains hopeful onballer Cameron Guthrie can return from a hamstring injury and play his first game for the season, while Sam Menegola and Jed Bews also impressed in the VFL and could be in line for a call-up.
"We're optimistic without being sure yet," Scott said of Guthrie.
"We had some pleasing performances [in the VFL]. Menegola, Smith were good. Bews will be in the frame as well."
Geelong take on Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 4.35pm.