Geelong will be without young midfielder Tanner Bruhn for at least four weeks after injuring his wrist at training on Tuesday.
It is understood that Bruhn fractured his left scaphoid during the session, with the club confirming the news ahead of Friday night's clash with Carlton.
The former Giant has been impressive in his second season at the Cats, taking on a permanent role in the midfield in the absence of Cam Guthrie and Patrick Dangerfield.
Bruhn has worked in tandem with fellow youngsters Jack Bowes, Max Holmes, Jhye Clark and Tom Atkins, who appear to be the future of Geelong.
The 22-year-old recently extended his time at Kardinia Park, inking a two-year deal on top of his current contract, locking him in the blue-and-white Hoops until the end of 2027.
“We are thrilled for Tanner to extend for a further two seasons with us and have him committed to the Club until at least the end of 2027,” Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said in a club statement.
Midfielder
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“Tanner has a bright future, and we are excited to see him grow alongside our group of emerging young players.”
The re-signing of Bruhn comes after the Cats locked in new deals for Jhye Clark (2026), Zach Guthrie (2025), Max Holmes (2028), Oisin Mullin (2025) and Mark O'Connor (2026) earlier this year.
Despite Bruhn's absence from Friday night and beyond, Geelong will be buoyed by the return of superstar Patrick Dangerfield as well as young forward Ollie Henry.
Veteran defender Zach Tuohy is expected to face his former side while young ruck Toby Conway will be in the mix.
Final teams will be announced on Thursday at 6:20 pm AEST.