Brownlow Medal favourite Gary Ablett is in serious doubt for Geelong's biggest fortnight this side of September - hobbling on crutches after his weekend ankle injury.

Ablett sprained ankle ligaments during his side's big AFL win over Fremantle at Skilled Stadium.

On Monday he was on crutches, though the brilliant onballer and his club are hopeful of a miracle recovery so he can play the Western Bulldogs in the top of the table clash at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

Cats football manager Neil Balme admitted Ablett was an unlikely starter but no decision will be made until at least Wednesday.

"If I had to put my house on it, I'd say he probably wouldn't play this weekend but we're not ruling him out at this stage," Balme said.

"If he's able to be up and running by Wednesday, we'll give him until as late as possible to decide whether he'll play."

Worst case scenario is that Ablett misses both the Bulldogs match and Geelong's clash with third-placed Hawthorn the following week.

Meanwhile, classy Adelaide attacker Jason Porplyzia has again delayed shoulder surgery in the hope he might contribute to a Crows finals campaign.

Porplyzia's shoulder dislocation during the loss to Collingwood on Saturday was the third for the talented small forward since it popped out in the April showdown against Port Adelaide.

Each dislocation has brought further pain and strain to Porplyzia and Saturday's - after an innocuous tackling attempt in the first term against the Magpies - was unable to be corrected at the ground.

Surgery now would end Porplyzia's season at a time when the Crows are battling desperately to keep afloat.

Instead, club doctor Andrew Potter confirmed Porplyzia would spend the next two to three weeks resting the joint in order to present himself for selection around the time of Adelaide's round 19 home match against Richmond.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews remains hopeful co-captains Jonathan Brown (hip) and Simon Black (shoulder) will be fit for Saturday night.

They have been listed for tests and are expected to be given until Thursday to prove their fitness.

"They are both questionable but we will know as the week goes on," Matthews said.

But the Lions have lost young ruckman Matthew Leuenberger for the rest of the season due to knee surgery.

The 20-year-old is expected to go under the knife this week after injuring his knee during Brisbane's 37-point loss to Essendon last weekend.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP