Smarting from their first loss of 2014, Geelong are set to be strengthened by the long-awaited return of gun midfielder Steven Motlop against struggling Richmond.
After undergoing knee surgery in London in January, Motlop has worked his way back with two games in the VFL.
Third-placed Geelong and Richmond both have the bye after Sunday’s MCG clash, but Cats coach Chris Scott said that wouldn’t be a factor in deciding when to re-introduce Motlop to senior action.
“Our guys come back when they’re ready,” Scott said on Tuesday.
“Sometimes we’re ultra-conservative, but to give him another two weeks would be ridiculous conservatism.
“I’m not giving him the absolute green light to play because it’s not completely my decision and I don’t make it in isolation on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“But the information we’ve got from our medical staff is he’ll be well and truly in the frame this week.”
Geelong are expected to bounce back hard after a 40-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Ruckman Dawson Simpson could return after missing the clash against the Power with a foot injury, while running defender Andrew Mackie is some chance after missing one game with a minor hamstring complaint.
The news is also good for full-forward Tom Hawkins, who fell awkwardly on his knee against Port but looks to have avoided any structural damage.
The Tigers have a dreadful recent record against Geelong, having not beaten them since 2006.
Richmond are also coming off a 66-point trouncing at the hands of Hawthorn, which saw their win-loss record slip to 2-4.
Not that Scott has any intention of taking Sunday’s opponents lightly.
“Even the sides that haven’t got the results on the board this year, every single one of them has played really good footy at times,” he said.
“Most of what we would look at is what they’ve done when they’ve played really well.
“Obviously we’re trying to exploit any weaknesses they might have, but we’re really respectful of what Richmond can do.
“It’s almost become a sport now of kicking the side that’s down in a particular week.”
Richmond are hopeful of getting dual best and fairest winner Brett Deledio and key defender Alex Rance back from injury.