TALENTED Geelong youngster Nakia Cockatoo was out of the game by quarter-time on Friday night after hurting his right hamstring early against the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium.

The 20-year-old has played six games this season after missing rounds two and three with a hand injury.

He hasn't had a history of soft tissue injuries but missed the back half of 2016 with a knee injury, playing just 10 games for the year.

Cockatoo created a goal for Mark Blicavs in the first quarter with his hard work inside the contest but his night ended with just three disposals.

Cockatoo will be assessed during the week but is likely to miss a number of weeks. Steven Motlop also appeared to dislocate a finger and had to have it put back in by club doctor Drew Slimmon.

The Cats went on to claim a see-sawing contest by 23 points, with Patrick Dangerfield starring with 36 disposals and Mitch Duncan delivering 18 tackles.