Geelong midfielder Brandan Parfitt will miss the coming rounds after requiring surgery on a broken hand sustained in Friday's win over the Bulldogs.
The Cats confirmed on Monday evening that Parfitt will go under the knife after seeing a specialist, forcing the 24-year-old to miss the short to medium term.
"Brandan Parfitt sustained a broken hand during the match on Friday night," head of medical and conditioning services Harry Taylor said in a club statement.
"After assessment and consultation, Brandan will have surgery on his hand in the coming days to ensure the best recovery for him - short and long term.
"Brandanโs status will be assessed post-surgery, however it is expected he will be unavailable for the short to medium term."
Taylor added that the upcoming bye round for Geelong will time nicely for injured defender Tom Stewart, who was subbed out of the win over the Western Bulldogs after a head knock with Bailey Smith.
Required to miss the next 12 days under the AFL's concussion protocols, Stewart is likely to be deemed available for the Cats' returning clash against West Coast in Round 14.
"Tom Stewart left the game under the concussion protocols in the 2nd quarter and will enter the mandatory AFL concussion guidelines," Taylor said.
Veteran winger Sam Menegola was among the Cats' best in the VFL on Friday as they narrowly lost to Footscray at Whitten Oval, with the midfielder collecting 17 possessions.
Taylor stated that Menegola will continue to build fitness as he eyes a return to the AFL.
"Sam Menegola played the VFL game v the Western Bulldogs and will continue his reconditioning program as specified by our Medical and Conditioning team," Taylor says.
Geelong will travel to Optus Stadium on June 18 for their next match, facing West Coast at 4:35pm (AEST).
