Geelong's memorable 35-point semi-final victory over Greater Western Sydney has been soured by a suspected season-ending injury for midfielder Brandan Parfitt.
The 23-year-old was subbed out of Friday night's clash at the end of the opening stanza due to a hamstring complaint, with defender Zach Guthrie coming into the game.
Parfitt, who has faced a history of hamstring strains, is tipped to miss next week's preliminary final against Melbourne, with Cats coach Chris Scott stating post-game the early signs weren't good for the Geelong utility.
Brandan Parfitt (hamstring) subbed off for Zac Guthrie pic.twitter.com/msMzt3TFyS
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 3, 2021
โItโs a hamstring that didnโt look good. I think you can join the dots a little bit that itโs not a minor hamstring,โ Scott said.
Geelong's only other injury concern from the win was a cork to star forward Tom Hawkins' thigh following a collision with Giants veteran Shane Mumford.
Hawkins was able to laugh off the thought of any potential setback after the match, which saw the 2020 Coleman Medal winner boot five goals in earning best-afield honours.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Goal Assists
Partner-in-crime Jeremy Cameron was able to boot two majors in his first appearance against his former club, while Gary Rohan, Brad Close and Sam Menegola also managed to record multiple goals.
The loss sees Greater Western Sydney's 2021 campaign come to an end, a season that saw the Giants defy adversity in residing away from family and outside of New South Wales for large portions of the season.
After 70 days on the road, 0-3 start, a semi-final loss is a vg effort by Giants. Throw in Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Brent Daniels, Tom Green, Jeremy Finlayson, a fit Stephen Coniglio, & No.2 draft pick, thereโs a lot to look forward to for GWS in 2022. #AFLFinals #AFLCatsGiants
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) September 3, 2021
Despite the battle, the Giants flouted beliefs to earn a place in Friday night's semi-final, a mark many wouldn't have thought the club could have reached in 2021.
Post-game footage captured an emotional Mumford after the loss, with many speculating the game was the 35-year-old's final in the AFL.
A career spanning across three clubs, Mumford is a premiership winner with Sydney and claimed the 2014 best and fairest with the Giants.
The Cats are set to face the Demons next Friday night at Optus Stadium, their fifth preliminary final in six years.
