Geelong have revealed midfielder George Horlin-Smith fractured his thumb moments before booting the winning goal in their one-point win over North Melbourne.

The 24-year-old has undergone surgery and will miss the Cats’ AFL clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

“It was in the last contest. The adrenaline was pumping and he didn’t think it was too bad, especially after he kicked that goal,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Wednesday.