GEELONG'S George Burbury is aiming to be back on the field in six weeks after undergoing successful surgery to repair his broken jaw on Thursday evening.

The 21-year-old suffered breaks on both sides of his jaw in an accidental collision with Nick Maxwell in the NAB Challenge opener at Simonds Stadium on Wednesday night.

The surgery involved plates being inserted to hold the jaw in place.

Because the breaks were clean, it was not regarded as being a particularly complicated operation.

Burbury took to Instagram on Friday morning to assure Cats fans that he's on the mend.

"Understandably couldn't manage myself a valentines date looking like this," he wrote.

"But mum decided to come visit me instead! Looking forward to home cooked soup for a few days! Again thanks for the support!."

Burbury spent three years on Geelong's rookie list before being promoted to the club's senior list at the end of last season.

A skilful and tough half-forward, he made his AFL debut against Port Adelaide in round nine last year.





He lined up against Gold Coast the following weekend, but lost his place in the team after suffering a quad injury.

Burbury had looked in great touch before he was injured against the Magpies on Wednesday.

He kicked a goal in the first quarter after taking a courageous mark when running with the flight of the ball.

Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol