Geelong is "very, very confident" that Bailey Smith will return next week against Essendon after he was a late out for Saturday's clash at GMHBA Stadium.

Smith, who pulled up sore from the trip to West Coast, was withdrawn, in typical Chris Scot fashion, an hour before the Gold Coast game.

He was replaced by Ted Clohesy.

The 24-year-old was seen clutching at his hamstring in the victory over the Eagles last week, but after a week off, Scott expects him to return.

"We're very, very confident that he'll be fine next week," Scott said.

"He had some lingering tightness post-game (against West Coast last Sunday).

"He got a cork late and had some hamstring tightness, awareness. We thought it was going to be OK.

"He had a fitness test a few hours before the game and didn't feel confident. In that situation, our tolerance for that situation with any player โ€ฆ is generally low."

Scott revealed that Smith still hit the track, running 6-7 km in a training session.

Key forward Shannon Neale will be a watch after he was subbed out from the game with an ankle injury.

Neale was taken from the ground in the second quarter with some "doubt" over his ability to play out the remainder of the game, with the club taking the cautious approach.

"They were worried about his ankle," Scott said.

"It's one of those where he may well have a scan and be pretty good. But there was enough doubt there that it wasn't one they wanted him to play through.

"I have a bit of an idea, but I don't want to speculate. It's one where, sometimes, a guy gets subbed out, and it's really clear. This is not that at all.

"He may miss a period of time, but he could play next week."

The Cats jumped into the top four after the 24-point victory over Gold Coast, and will now prepare for Essendon in Round 14.