Geelong debutant Steven Motlop faces another extended break on the sidelines after dislocating a shoulder in Monday's AFL win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

Motlop's game was over in the second quarter, when he was crunched in a marking contest.

The 19-year-old small forward, who had had two kicks to that point, has twice undergone previous shoulder reconstructions, one on each arm.

Cats coach Mark Thompson did not know how severe Motlop's latest injury was.

But Thompson was concerned over whether star fullback Matthew Scarlett would recover from a back injury in time to play Fremantle on Sunday at Subiaco Oval.

Scarlett landed heavily on his back late in the game and Thompson said the veteran's back had seized.

"When his back goes it really goes, so I think it's pretty much seized at the moment," Thompson said.

"He landed pretty heavily on the hard part of the ground so we'll wait and see how he pulls up.

"We play in six days so it will be a challenge."

Hawthorn also suffered some injuries, as small forward Rhan Hooper suffered a hamstring injury early in the game, which could sideline him from the coming clashes against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday and Collingwood in round four.

Midfielder Jordan Lewis rolled an ankle late in the game.

Coach Alastair Clarkson was hopeful forwards Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli and midfielder Chance Bateman would all be better for their first hit-out of the season.

Meanwhile, Collingwood utility Ben Johnson received some good news about his knee injury on his 29th birthday.

Johnson will be out of action for about a month, but there were initial fears the injury might sideline him for much longer.

He had to leave the field in the second term of Saturday's one-point win over Melbourne at the MCG.

There were concerns he had suffered ligament damage to his right knee, but scans on Monday showed the only injury was kneecap displacement.

The Magpies say that will sideline him for two to four weeks.

Johnson managed 14 games last season despite a broken leg and has played 187 matches for Collingwood since his 2000 debut.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP