STAR Geelong defender Tom Stewart looks set for a long stint on the sidelines with a broken collarbone.

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The two-time All-Australian engaged in some bumping with Melbourne forward Tom McDonald off the ball in the first quarter and headed to the bench immediately.

Stewart may require surgery, but the Cats haven't put a timeline on his return just yet.

06:25

Highlights: Melbourne v Geelong

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"The feedback I've got is that he's broken his collarbone," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

The Cats coach didn't have too much to say on the incident and thought it was relatively innocuous. 

"He could have done that in the warm-up, couldn't he?" Scott said.

00:25

Cats concern after gun's suspected collarbone break

Geelong defender Tom Stewart is finished for the game after an innocuous clash involving Melbourne's Tom McDonald

Stewart's injury could pave the way for a return for defender Lachie Henderson, who Scott insists is right in the frame for selection thanks to outstanding training form.

The Cats have another concern with forward Tom Atkins who could "barely function" towards the end of the game.

"Tommy Atkins was sore, he was hobbling around with a couple of different things, and that's a concern for us because he's as tough as they come," Scott said.

"We're optimistic that it's not going to be something that keeps him out, but that's a tough one because it was really important for us that he helped us with our rotations, but it was hard to watch him labouring as he did."

Star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield got a knock to his jaw, but he's adamant he'll be right for next week.

00:28

Huge collision leaves superstar Cat sore

Patrick Dangerfield is left shaken by a heavy clash with Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd

Melbourne might not have to deal with injuries, but coach Simon Goodwin's frustrations will come with figuring out how to turn the work of his strong midfield into results on the scoreboard.

06:39

Goodwin: 'We couldn't get the ball off them'

Simon Goodwin says his side will be better prepared next time they come across opponents who want to hold possession



"There were a few things we didn't get right – clearly we were inefficient forward of centre and I thought we didn't do the basics well down the other end either," Goodwin said.

"We've got a new forward line that's got different personnel with one tall and a whole heap of mediums that we haven't had available.

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"We're going to continue to look at our method and continue to look at our personnel down there, but we need to get it better.

"It's a big part of our game to get right, but when we do, look out."

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