Geelong have confirmed a calf muscle injury will sideline Mitch Duncan for Saturday night’s crucial AFL blockbuster against Hawthorn.
The Cats took the midfielder out of their side on Friday and George Horlin-Smith will take his place.
Horlin-Smith was originally dropped for the game as Steve Johnson returns from suspension for his 250th game.
Duncan has impressed since returning four weeks ago from seven games out with a foot injury.
His absence will be a big blow for the Cats, who must beat their arch rivals to stay in the top eight.
Earlier on Friday, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said Duncan was one of the players who had helped Geelong return to form with four-straight wins.