AGE is one of the main reasons veteran Mathew Stokes is out of Geelong's senior side, coach Chris Scott says.

Stokes will play his second VFL game for the season on Sunday and Scott admitted the 30-year-old could easily still be in his AFL line-up.

However, Scott added that Stokes should not give up hope that a senior call-up will come soon.

Scott said after Saturday's win against Brisbane Lions Stokes was "probably better" than some of the younger players in the senior team.

The dual premiership player, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was dropped the week before after playing as a substitute against the Western Bulldogs in round 16.

"The brutal truth, and it is brutal for 'Stokesy', is that on balance, he's probably better than some of the guys who are playing in our team at the moment," Scott said.

"But they're younger and that's working in their favour. It's never easy to hear that but unfortunately for him that's just the reality right at the moment. It doesn't mean that will be the reality next week."

Stokes responded well to his demotion to the VFL against Essendon last week, picking up 32 disposals and managing five clearances.

However it was not enough for him to force his way back into the team and he will play against Frankston at Frankston Oval on Sunday.

Scott said the coaching group had identified a specific role for Stokes to play on Sunday.

"We've got a really specific role that we want him to play - the one that we think is his role in the senior team," Scott said.

"This week is not so much about just finding the footy. It's about playing the role he can play at AFL level. A strong performance from him will push his case."

Scott said it was tough on Stokes but he remains very close to senior selection if he can do what is expected of him.

Stokes has played 186 games for the Cats since his debut in 2006.