GEELONG will be without first-year player Brandan Parfitt for 8-10 weeks after scans confirmed he suffered a high-grade hamstring strain against Collingwood on Sunday.
However, he will not undergo surgery to repair the damage with the medical staff expecting him to return later in the season.
The 19-year-old suffered the injury when chasing Magpie Jack Crisp in the last quarter of the Cats' 29-point loss.
Football manager Steve Hocking said it was disappointing for Parfitt given he had made such an impressive start to the year.
"Surgery is not required and our medical staff expect a return to football within 8-10 weeks," Hocking said.
"Brandan is a resilient person and we are confident he will respond to his rehab program in a positive manner."
Parfitt was the Cats' first selection and No.26 overall in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft and earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination against Melbourne in round three.
He showed poise in his six games and looks a future talent.