Geelong young gun Nakia Cockatoo has been ruled out of Geelong's clash with Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium this Thursday night due to a hamstring injury.
Cockatoo came off the ground during the first quarter of the Cats' win over the Bulldogs on Friday night and took no further part in the match.
Cats' coach Chris Scott told reporters on Tuesday the club will not take any risks with the young star. However, he is likely to miss only one game.
"Cockatoo is unavailable this week. We're working through his prognosis. The early signs are that it's very minor and I wouldn't rule him out for the following week at this stage, which reflects how minor we think it is," Scott said.
"As I say over and over again in this forum, young players that we value really highly we don't take risks with."
Cockatoo has played seven games this season, after missing rounds two and three due to a broken thumb.
Midfielder Cameron Guthrie, who was a late withdrawal last round due to a virus, looms as the obvious replacement for Cockatoo, while Tom Ruggles is also in the mix after a strong performance in the VFL over the weekend, as is Rhy Stanley after missing last week with a knee injury.
"Cam Guthrie was sick. He's available and when he's available, he plays," Scott said.
"Ruggles will be in the squad. He's pushing his case really strongly. He's played well for us over the last year and a half.
"We're thinking Rhys Stanley will be available after the knee issue last week."