GEELONG ruck Piper Dunlop has been stretchered from the field after what initially appeared to be an innocuous head clash with Tanya Kennedy.
The Swan had moved into the centre circle to contest the ball after the centre ball-up, and the back of her head collided with Dunlop's forehead.
The tall Cat fell to the ground clutching her nose, before getting to her feet again as play continued downfield.
CATS v SWANS Full match coverage and stats
Seconds later, Dunlop became unsteady on her feet before staggering to the ground, with Swans opponent Lexi Hamilton catching the Cat as she fell and immediately signalling for help.
The game was held for nine minutes as the motorised cart came on the scene and medical staff from both teams rushed to help.
Geelong midfielder Amy McDonald has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Georgie Prespakis passed a SCAT.
McDonald, who missed four games earlier in the season with a hamstring strain, came from the field during the second term and did not return.
The 28-year-old is a three-time club best and fairest winner and key part of the Cats' midfield.
She had 20 disposals and kicked a goal during last week’s qualifying final loss to Melbourne.
It wasn't the only injury concern for the home side, with superstar mid Prespakis sent for a HIA assessment shortly before half-time.
One of the favourites for the league best and fairest, Prespakis received a free kick for high contact in the second term after her head was sandwiched between two Swans, and her resultant kick missed her target by 15-20m.
However, the 23-year-old was cleared and returned in the second half.
Prespakis has been tracked closely by noted tagger Tanya Kennedy, recording 12 disposals and four clearances in the first half.
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