Geelong midfielder Max Holmes could miss the remainder of the home and away season with a suspected syndesmosis injury.
The Cats will sweat on the scans of the star midfielder after landing awkwardly on his foot in the fourth quarter and failing to return to the field. He joined his teammates in a moonboot.
Coach Chris Scott alluded to a serious injury, but was unable to confirm the severity.
"It was pretty clear that he couldn't come back on, so that's always my measure in the immediate aftermath," Scott said.
"I think everyone says syndesmosis these days. There has been that suggestion, but I covered my ears, to be honest. I'll just wait to see what it is and deal with it when we know."
Port Adelaide's Zak Butters and Western Bulldogs recruit Connor Budarick suffered similar injuries in recent weeks. Both required surgery and are expected to miss the remainder of the home and away season.
Holmes joined teammate Shaun Mannagh on the pine, with the latter removed from the ground with hamstring tightness, further adding to the growing injury list at Kardinia Park.
Scott can't believe his luck, with reigning Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron needing surgery on an AC joint injury, ruling him out for at least a month.
"Obviously it's frustrating, but it is the game," Scott said.
"If you asked me a couple of weeks ago, who do you really not want to lose? Cameron and Holmes would be up there."
Geelong made a whopping seven changes ahead of Thursday's 27-point win over St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium.
Gryan Miers was dominant, kicking three goals from 22 touches, whilst also handing off four direct goal assists.
Debutant Jay Polkinghorne impressed in his first AFL game, slotting 2.3, gathering 11 possessions and eight marks.
"I really liked his (Polkinghorne's) game. He's not just a jump-at-the-ball and mark guy, which he obviously does really well," Scott said.
"He's got some smarts to go with it. He's good at ground level. I thought he complemented our forward line really well."
Midfielder recruit James Worpel played his first game since Round 9 against Geelong, spending a large chunk in the VFL.
The former Hawk is set to retain his spot in the senior side, especially given Holmes' injury. Worpel impressed with 24 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles and a goal.
Scott managed Jack Martin, Mark Blicavs and Jake Kolodjashnij for the Saints clash while Tanner Bruhn missed with a neck injury, although he could be in line to return next week against Melbourne.
