HARD-nosed Cats midfielder Brandan Parfitt will be sidelined for a short-to-medium term absence after injuring his hand in Friday night's win over the Bulldogs.

It will be Parfitt's first absence of the season, with the 24-year-old midfielder averaging 21.3 disposals across 12 games so far this year and sitting 11th in the league for total tackles.

"Brandan Parfitt sustained a broken hand during the match on Friday night,"  head of medical and conditioning services Harry Taylor said.

"After assessment and consultation, Brandan will have surgery on his hand in the coming days to ensure the best recovery for him - short and long term.

"Brandan’s status will be assessed post-surgery, however it is expected he will be unavailable for the short to medium term."

In better news for the Cats, hard-running midfielder Sam Menegola will be hoping to raise his hand as a potential replacement when the Cats take on the Eagles in a fortnight's time.

"Sam Menegola played the VFL game v the Western Bulldogs and will continue his reconditioning program as specified by our Medical and Conditioning team," Taylor says.

Menegola gathered 17 disposals and five clearances playing on a wing and through the midfield.

The bye has come at the right time for Tom Stewart, who entered AFL concussion protocols after a heavy knock on Friday night.

"Tom Stewart left the game under the concussion protocols in the 2nd quarter and will enter the mandatory AFL concussion guidelines," Taylor says.