THE FOOTBALL fan in Geelong coach Chris Scott wants to see midfield bulls Patrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin lock horns at the MCG on Sunday.

But he's warned Cats and Richmond supporters not to get their hopes up of an epic duel – a la Dangerfield and Nat Fyfe last season.

"I guess I sit marginally in the camp that likes to see the best players going head-to-head," Scott said.

"The unfortunate part in the modern game is it's not really the way it works.

"They can stand next to each other at the stoppage and very rarely do they go significant periods of the game where they're just one-on-one.

"Team defence tends to take a bigger priority in today's footy."

Dangerfield, the runaway Brownlow favourite, leads Martin for disposals (31.5 to 30.7), metres gained (612m to 439m), clearances (6.5 to 5.7) and goals (21-9) amid a stellar campaign.

But the tattooed Tiger has been a shining light in a gloomy year for Richmond, elevating himself into the top echelon of AFL midfielders.

"He been an outstanding player this year, Dustin, and presents a really big challenge for us," Scott said.

"We think we've got a couple of good ones in there (midfield) as well, so probably more than anywhere else that will dictate the terms of the game."

With a top four spot on the line, Scott is wary of Richmond after last week's pressure-relieving win over Collingwood.

Three of the Cats' five defeats have come against sides outside the top eight and the unpredictable Tigers are determined to snap an 11-game losing streak against Geelong.

"There were some slight adjustments (to the way Richmond played) last week and I think they would've been proud of the way they performed under pressure," Scott said.

"You can't deny that the whole club would've been feeling pressure. It can be galvanising when you fight your way through that and have a good win.

"So the challenge for us is to make sure our game is at a really high level and can counter them at their best, because to expect them at any less than their best could leave us in a really vulnerable position."

Cats defender Harry Taylor will notch his 200th career game on Sunday – and could line-up on fellow milestone man Jack Riewoldt as he brings up the double-ton.

Scott lavished praise on the reliable backman, who he rated in the "top couple of key defenders in his era".

"He's an absolute pro. He's a great example to all our players and our coaches for that matter as well," Scott said.

"It's not just the physical preparation, but it's the mental preparation and the attention to detail that suggests he's still got a long playing future ahead of him.

"But even he would tell you he's aware that it can sometimes be later than you think in your career, and he's driven to make the most of every moment he can."

Scott expected Dan Menzel's groin injury would only keep him out of the side for one week, while veteran Andrew Mackie has been managed.