Patrick Dangerfield has limped from the ground during Geelong’s AFL pre-season clash with Essendon in Colac, casting doubt on his availability for round one.

The 2016 Brownlow Medallist pulled up sore at the end of his kicking action late in the first quarter and immediately headed for the Geelong rooms.

Dangerfield has been ruled out for the remainder of the game at Central Reserve, which the Bombers lead 8.2 (50) to 7.5 (47) at halftime.

The injury leaves the Cats facing the prospect of being without Dangerfield and fellow superstar Gary Ablett for their opening-round clash with Melbourne on March 25.

Ablett has played no part in either of the Cats’ trial matches after suffering a hamstring strain at training last month.

Ruckman Rhys Stanley also left the ground early on Sunday with a suspected calf injury.

Dangerfield has only missed one of 49 possible matches during his two years with the Cats.

There were fears his season was over after suffering an ankle injury against Hawthorn last year but he returned as a one-out forward and slotted a match-winning five goals.