Pies star stretchered off after sickening injury blow; Cats gun subbed ...

Geelong will be sweating on scans for star defender Tom Stewart after he lasted just 20 minutes in Friday night’s loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

But there is some good news for the Cats with coach Chris Scott hopeful young guns Tyson Stengle (ankle, head knock) and Sam de Koning (knee) will be fit to play in Round 2.

The loss of Stewart will be a massive blow for a “decimated” Geelong backline already missing Jack Henry (foot) and Jake Kolodjashnij (concussion).

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Stewart came from the ground during the first quarter against Collingwood, after bending awkwardly when trying to change direction.

He came from the ground immediately with the help of trainers and went into the change rooms, where he had his knee strapped.

After attempting some run-throughs on the boundary, the Cats opted to sub Stewart out.

Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph says while the club is adamant it’s not Stewart’s ACL, he’s still facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“He has been cleared by Geelong medicos of ACL damage – they will be worried about a medial or a high grade medial ligament injury. A grade 3 tear might still only put him on the sidelines for six weeks whether he has surgery or not,” he said.

“He was in the brace by three quarter time and walking around with a significant limp as he shook hands with players post-match.”

Scott said it was “hard to say” how long he expected to be without his star defender.

“He was subbed off pretty quickly. I would be surprised if he plays next week but beyond that it’s hard to say,” he said post-match.

“It’s one of those ones where you say doubt he’ll play next week but don’t think it’s a really long-term.”

Ralph said with Henry facing at least another eight weeks out of action, Geelong could turn to Mark Blicavs as a backman, allowing Jon Ceglar to return in the ruck.

The Cats weren’t the only side to emerge with injury concerns with Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe destined for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after a gruesome arm injury.

Howe catapulted into Tyson Stengle in an effort to spoil the ball in the early stages of the third quarter on Friday night, landing awkwardly as he braced for contact with the ground.

The 32-year-old immediately began writhing in pain, with play halted as club medical staff rushed to his aid.

A stretcher was called for almost immediately and all of Howe’s on-field teammates came to show their support for the injured veteran.

Broadcasters chose not to show the replay given its graphic nature.

For Geelong, de Koning was able to return to the field after he left the field with a knee complaint.

De Koning had clutched at his right leg without any contact from opposition in the second term.

Near the end of the quarter, All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle also limped from the ground with a potential ankle injury after it was trapped under an opponent.

The injury scares will draw further attention to the MCG turf, which was replaced less than a fortnight before Round 1 after two sellout Ed Sheeran concerts.