Geelong have detailed the extent of premiership defender Jed Bews' knee injury after the Cats backman was a surprising omission for Sunday's matchup with North Melbourne.
Both Bews and fellow defender Jake Kolodjashij (hip) were among the outs for Chris Scott's side on Thursday due to injury, with the Cats making a total of three change for Round 17 as Norm Smith Medal winner Isaac Smith was managed for the contest.
Recruit Jack Bowes and Irish pair Oisin Mullin and Mark O'Connor were brought into the starting side, while second-year forward Oliver Dempsey was named as the tactical sub ahead of the opening bounce.
The trio of moves came as Bews and Kolodjashnij were listed to be carrying injuries, a matter not known prior to team selection.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Scott revealed while Kolodjashnij would likely only miss this weekend's affair, Bews is unlikely to play next week as well.
"He has been hampered by it," the Cats coach said of Bews' knee issue.
"This is one where there is more of a regimented plan that's going to take at least a couple of weeks. He's likely to miss the next two to get that completely right.
"There's no point from his perspective and ours that he keeps plugging away without being able to do what he can do when he's at his best."
Bews has revealed that a tendon concern and soreness in his knee following last week's draw with Sydney is what is keeping him to the sidelines for the time being.
Speaking to Footy Classified ahead of his side's game at GMHBA Stadium, Bews said he remained hopeful of playing against Essendon at Kardinia Park in Round 18.
"I've just had a bit of a sore knee, some tendon issues on the back of the knee," Bews said.
"Last week I just didn't pull up well after the game, so a week off this week and see how it tracks this week.
"Hopefully (I can return) next week, but if not we'll try for the following week."
Geelong are hopeful superstar forward Jeremy Cameron will be cleared to play next week after missing selection for the Kangaroos game due to a head knock sustained in Round 15 against Melbourne.
