Geelong are suspected to be without Mitch Duncan for an extended period, with the star midfielder believed to have suffered a high-grade PCL injury.
Duncan suffered the knee injury in the opening quarter of Friday night's thrilling five-point win for Geelong over the Bulldogs, with the 30-year-old potentially facing 8-12 weeks on the sidelines.
As reported byย 7 News'sย Ryan Daniels, Duncan is believed to have damaged his PCL and could miss up to three months due to the injury.
Iโm told itโs a high-grade PCL knee injury for @GeelongCats star Mitch Duncan. Usually carries an injury timeline of 8-12 weeks.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) June 19, 2021
Duncan's setback wasn't the only injury concern for Geelong following Friday's win, with reigning Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins sustaining a neck injury late into the game.
Hawkins required treatment from the club's medical staff following a marking contest with Bulldogs defender Alex Keath.
Speaking post-match, Geelong coach Chris Scott was positive that there wasn't significant damage to his star forward.
โI spoke to (Hawkins) really briefly post-game and he might have just pinched a nerve in his neck,โ Scott said.
Hopefully Hawkins is fine with his neck. Congrats boys for epic win last night.
— GoOdBeTtErBEST (@oldcheekymonkey) June 19, 2021
โHe said it was sore but (there is) nothing structural to worry about as far as we know.
โIt certainly limited him but I think weโre pretty hopeful that heโs okay.โ
The Bulldogs are also positive with the outcome of Aaron Naughton's rib injury.
The gun tall was subbed out of the match at half-time after sustaining the issue just seconds prior to the intermission.
SEN'sย Sam Edmund reports that there weren't too many concerns for the Bulldogs in regards to Naughton's injury.
Naughton was taken to hospital last night and checked over again this morning. Sore, but sounds like thereโs no serious damage, despite concerns over his abdomen and ribs. https://t.co/GzBjQkDE6Z
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) June 18, 2021
Bulldogs co-captain Mitch Wallis was subbed into the game for his first appearance of the season.