GEELONG has been dealt another injury blow with ruckman Rhys Stanley ruled out for the season.
Stanley will undergo surgery on his injured foot next week in Brisbane to insert screws to repair ligament damage incurred against Port Adelaide in round 11.
Recruited from St Kilda, Stanley was best on ground in the game before injury struck late in the third quarter.
Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said the 24-year-old would return to low level training in three months.
"Scans showed damage to the ligament in Rhys' right foot. After discussing with a specialist, it was decided that the best option was surgery," Hocking said on the club's website.
"Due to the fact there was no clear break, we were hopeful Rhys would avoid surgery.
"It's disappointing for him and the club that he will miss the rest of the season, but on a positive note, he will be able to complete a full pre-season."
The injury list: Your club's sidelined players
Stanley is the latest in a long line of Cats to suffer long-term injuries with Mitch Duncan (foot) and Jimmy Bartel (knee) the most high profile casualties.
The club's ruck stocks have been hit particularly hard with Dawson Simpson battling a shoulder problem and Hamish McIntosh and Mitch Clark suffering calf injuries. Nathan Vardy is five weeks away but has not played since 2013.