EMERGING ruckman Nathan Vardy will miss the start of Geelong's finals campaign due to a hip injury that will require surgery.

The 20-year-old copped a knee to the hip during the Cats' 11-point victory over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in round 21.

"Nathan is a bit unlucky that the knee he copped has resulted in the injury at this time of the season," Geelong football manager Neil Balme said.

"Our medical department looked at the options, including the hip undergoing surgery, to give Nathan the best option to be fit and to play in the finals.

"In the end the best course of action was for Nathan to have surgery on the hip.

"The minimum recovery time is four weeks, which will put his best return date around the preliminary final.

"He’s had a good first year so it’s unfortunate for Nathan that the timing of the injury is so close to finals."

Vardy has played nine games since debuting against Carlton in round nine.