Geelong defender Sam De Koning will be sidelined for the short term after undergoing surgery to repair a nasal and maxillary bone fracture.
The young tall injured his face in the second half of the club’s win over Essendon at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
SEN Sportsday’s Kane Cornes and Gerard Healy reacted to the unfortunate news for the 22-year-old.
Cornes: “Defender Sam De Koning underwent surgery on Wednesday afternoon to repair a nasal maxillary bone.
“He sustained the injury during the second half of the club's match against Essendon last Sunday.
“Simon Lloyd is their general manager of football … he said that they expect him to be sidelined for the short term.”
Healy: “I saw him come off.
“He went into the ruck and he's such a talented player
“He did the ruck work with great aplomb, he’s got good hands, he doesn't need a ruck coach, he's got all.
“But clearly he got whacked in the eye and nose area and he came off feeling pretty sick and sorry for himself, unfortunately.
“It's a bit of a blow for the Cats, but they have got some good depth in that particular area.”
Spending time in the ruck against the Dons, De Kooning had 14 disposals and 13 hitouts in an impressive performance.
The Cats will be without De Kooning for their clash on Saturday against the Crows at GMHBA Stadium.