GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats reacts after missing a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at GMHBA Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
It has been revealed that Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has been playing with a fracture in his right hand.
As revealed by AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary, it is understood that the veteran midfielder sustained the injury in the Cats' thrilling Round 23 loss to Melbourne, and has since carried the injury into the post-season.
Dangerfield was placed on the bench for a prolonged period late into the four-point loss to the Demons and was sidelined for key stages of the final term.
The 31-year-old played in Friday night's qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide with some of his fingers wrapped in tape and requiring extra protection.
Dangerfield has received treatment on the injury, however the club is yet to confirm the extent of the damage.
Having played through a majority of the qualifying final, it is unlikely the Brownlow medalist will miss his side's must-win semi-final against Greater Western Sydney on Friday.
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The Cats will be without defender Mark O'Connor due to a hamstring complaint, but are tipped to welcome the return of fellow Irishman Zach Tuohy.
Friday night's clash will see star Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron face his former side, who will be battling their own injury concerns.
Young midfielder Tom Green is understood to have suffered a suspected crack in his wrist, while defender Isaac Cumming sustained an ankle injury in the Giants' one-point win over Sydney on Saturday.
Geelong will host the Giants at Optus Stadium on Friday night, with the matching starting at 7:50pm AEST.