Geelong have been dealt a massive blow with key forward Esava Ratugolea suffering a broken ankle during the second quarter of their win against Carlton on Saturday night.

The 19-year-old's right ankle collapsed under him and turned at right angles as he landed awkwardly after flying for a mark in a pack.

The game stopped for five minutes as he received treatment on what was at one stage suspected to be a break to his tibia and fibula.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the injury was a serious disappointment for the club and his loss would be keenly felt. 

"It looks like that is a broken ankle, significant but not horrific as first thought," Scott said.

"He will obviously miss a decent chunk of footy and it looks like he will need surgery."