Geelong coach Chris Scott said All-Australian forward Tyson Stengle is tracking towards playing football next week, although it won't be in the AFL side.
Stengle is returning following an extended break from the club due to personal reasons, but has been training strongly over the past few weeks to put his name up for selection.
Despite the quality of his output on the track, Scott said he won't be rushed back into the senior team.
"That's what I'm led to believe," Scott said.
"If I was being completely honest, in my assessment, the risk with that is something might change, and it looks like I haven't been completely forthright, but I'm led to believe he's on track to play game time next week.
"We won't bring him straight back into the AFL team, in spite of the quality of training. I don't mean quality in terms of his physical output, but it's been nice watching his ball handling and skill. He looks close to his best in that regard to me."
The Cats will host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on Friday, but the VFL match between the two clubs' reserves teams will act as a curtain raiser, with Stengle is set to feature.
Scott also explained why captain Patrick Dangerfield wasn't named for Sunday's clash against West Coast.
Dangerfield has ticked off all requirements from a recovery perspective on his troublesome calf, but the Geelong coach said the club prioritised an arduous training session on Friday instead of match time this weekend.
The Cats' skipper, barring no setbacks, will return to face the Bulldogs next week.
