Tom Stewart's "shattering" concussion that rules the star Cat out of the AFL grand final is "hard to take", says Geelong coach Chris Scott.

The brilliant defender was concussed in a first-quarter tackle from Hawks forward Mabior Chol in Friday night's preliminary final, assisted from the ground and quickly substituted.

Geelong fought back from an early 21-point deficit to claim a 17.13 (115) to 13.7 (85) preliminary final win at the MCG.

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But due to the AFL's 12-day concussion protocols, Stewart was immediately ruled out of next Saturday's grand final against either Collingwood or Brisbane.

It is certain to revive calls to change the pre-finals bye to a pre-grand final bye, an idea that AFL identities including Brisbane coach C

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