Collingwood player Alan Toovey will remain in Epworth hospital for observation over the weekend after receiving a heavy knock during the third quarter of last night's game against Geelong at the MCG.

Toovey is recovering well having suffered bruising to the chest region which hospital staff will monitor. He also suffered some minor facial cuts and bruising.

Toovey courageously ran with the flight of the ball and into a forming pack deep in the Geelong forward line midway through the third quarter. He was accidently kneed in the face by Hawkins as the Cats’ forward attempted to complete a high mark.

After the match, Geelong’s Jimmy Bartel paid tribute to Toovey’s courage.

"You feel for somebody when you see that," Bartel said.

"It was incredibly brave, and I think everybody in the football world has incredible respect for Alan Toovey."

Collingwood official were tight-lipped on Toovey after the match, but were hoping the defender would escape serious injuries.

After leaving the field on a stretcher, the 24-year-old was substituted from game and replaced by Brad Dick.

Prior to the game, Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell was withdrawn from the side with ongoing leg and calf soreness, with Tyson Goldsack coming in as his replacement.