Geelong veteran Zach Tuohy has entered the AFL's health and safety protocols ahead of the Cats' meeting with the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

At this stage, no other Cats players have been affected, but it has still sent new COVID related concerns through the AFL.

The latest revelation means Tuohy will miss out on featuring in Joel Selwood's 350th career game this weekend, according toย The Age.ย 

Both clubs and the AFL are becoming increasingly concerned about of the potential for COVID-19 to hinder player availability and a team's performance both leading into and during the finals series.

As another wave of COVID-19 infections traverses the country, travelling interstate on commercial flights is becoming increasingly risky for AFL players and staff.

Four North Melbourne players and their head coach Leigh Adams have caught COVID since their Round 19 outing in Hobart, while the Brisbane Lions made nine forced changes to their side due to the illness in Round 17, and subsequently lost to Essendon.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: Zach Tuohy of the Cats looks on after being head butted by Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs (not pictured) during the 2022 AFL Round 12 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on June 03, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

With Tom Stewart due to return from suspension, the Cats will have Tuohy's replacement in the 22 easily decided.

Geelong will also be without ruckman Rhys Stanley, who could be replaced by uncapped Cat and former Hawk Jonathon Ceglar.

The Cats will host the Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night, with the match to commence at 7:25pm (AEST).