Geelong coach Chris Scott is optimistic about four senior Cats who find themselves in the selection window via potential returns from injury this week.
Tom Stewart (knee), Lawson Humphries (concussion), Jack Henry (hamstring) and Rhys Stanley (hamstring) were all on the track at Thursday's main session in what is a positive sign for the Cats' Round 10 prospects against Port Adelaide.
Stewart and Humphries are both expected to play, while the Cats could take a cautious approach with Henry and Stanley given Geelong are scheduled to have a five-day break between this Saturday's match and their Round 10 clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Scott and his selection committee aren't "beholden" to the five-day break issue, with a number of factors set to impact this week's selection.
"You'd have seen Stewart out (on the track), Stanley, Jack Henry, Lawson Humphries," Scott said.
"We're all thinking through exactly how we go about that selection mix. Those guys have all performed well during the week.
"It's not as simple as 'Are they available? If so they play'. We've got to manage integration with those guys, and they're all unique cases in themselves.
"We've got a little bit to work through, but are pretty optimistic on all of them."
"We're thinking about (the five-day break), but we're not beholden to it."
Veteran pair Jack Martin (management) and Cameron Guthrie (Achilles) are both "ready to play" and will eye returns through the VFL as early as this week, with youngster Mitch Knevitt (foot) in a similar position.
The trio could be knocking on the door for AFL recalls over the next month in what is a welcome selection squeeze for Scott.
Geelong still have an extensive injury list with only Jake Kolodjashnij (groin) and Toby Conway (back) among the other six sidelined Cats who have played at the top level.
The Cats face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, with final teams to be named an hour prior to the 4:15pm (AEST) bounce.
