Geelong will be without injured utility Mark Blicavs until the AFL finals in a blow to their top-four aspirations.
The important big man fractured his ankle and also suffered ligament damage during Friday night's loss to Adelaide.
Blicavs will be given time for his ankle to heal without undergoing surgery and won't be available until September.
The loss of the 2015 club best and fairest comes as the second-placed Cats prepare for a tough run to the finals.
They will start strong favourites on Saturday against Carlton but face tough tests against Sydney, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney in the weeks ahead.
Blicavs' injury robs Geelong of a back-up ruck option and could encourage them to persist with both Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith.
Veteran defender Andrew Mackie (illness) and livewire Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) are in the mix to return for the clash with the Blues at Etihad Stadium.
