RELIEVED Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy has avoided a serious ankle injury and there is some chance he may be fit to take on Adelaide on Friday night. 

McCarthy injured his ankle in the first quarter of Saturday's clash against West Coast at Simonds Stadium and sat out the rest of the match.

The 22-year-old was on crutches after the game and was sent for precautionary scans that have cleared him of any damage.

"The prognosis is positive and now we will assess how quickly the ankle responds to treatment," Cats football manager Steve Hocking said.

Danger just another Cat

"There has been rapid improvement since Saturday and Lincoln is a chance to play on Friday night. Our medical staff will continue to work with him to determine whether he can get through the game this week."

McCarthy has proven to be Geelong's most dangerous small forward, kicking seven goals in six games this season.

His aerial ability, for a player who stands 178cm, is a feature of his game, while his tackling pressure and toughness over the footy have also stood out.

Should McCarthy not be passed fit after the six-day turnaround, Cory Gregson – who gathered 16 disposals at VFL level at the weekend – looms as his likely replacement.

The Cats could also opt to give midfielder George Horlin-Smith his chance after 25 touches (16 contested) and two goals for the Cats' VFL side.

McCarthy was rested for the Cats' round four duel with Essendon, and Scott said recently the club would continue to be cautious with his comeback to football after a dreadful run of injuries over the past few years.

The young Cat’s promising career has been stalled multiple times after making his debut in round 10, 2012.

His injury troubles began in August that year when he suffered a navicular fracture in his foot during a routine training drill.

He was sidelined for 16 months with the injury and was eyeing a comeback towards the end of 2013 before he injured his back lifting weights in the gym.

He was then forced to sit out 12 weeks after injuring his back again early in the 2014 season.

McCarthy was the starting substitute in the Cats' six-point semi-final loss to North Melbourne in 2014, but he was again struck down when he nicked his calf leading into the 2015 season and the foot injury flared again.

McCarthy has now played 11 games in five seasons on Geelong's list after being selected with pick No.66 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.