GEELONG is still weighing up how to fit ruckman Zac Smith and key defender Lachie Henderson back into the side for Friday night's showdown against the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium, coach Chris Scott says.
Both Smith, who was managed on a wet night in Geelong last Saturday night, and Henderson, who missed the game against the Crows because of concussion, are expected to be available for the clash against the Dogs.
Scott said Henderson would have to confirm his fitness at training on Wednesday, with the coach not prepared to elaborate on the final makeup of the side.
Adding to Scott's selection dilemma is that inclusions Jed Bews and Sam Menegola performed strongly against the Crows.
"In normal circumstances, when guys come in and play well you'd like to think they'd hold their spot, but we've got really good availability, a couple of guys coming back who have been mainstays of our team," Scott said.
"It's been a challenging time trying to pick our best look for this week.
"One thing we're certain of is that we'll get some shift in our personnel over the next month or so, but that's a positive thing that we've got options, and we'll keep searching for the best team on any given week.
"We're not 100 per cent that (Henderson's) available so we've got to work through a few things today and there's the next decision about the structure of our team.
"We took a ruckman out last week, but we've played the two for most of the year, so we still need to work through that."
Scott said the Cats had already spoken with Henderson, who was knocked out against Fremantle in a heavy collision a fortnight ago, about improving his technique when attacking a marking contest.
It follows several heavy hits the defender has copped this season.
"There's bravery in modern footy and we all admire that, players who keep their eye on the ball and don't give a second thought as to what might be coming the other way," Scott said.
"But there's a couple of examples now with Lachie where it's manifested in poor technique, so that's certainly something we've talked about and worked on.
"We're not going to take away from his aggression at the ball, but maybe the decision to put himself in those positions could be a little better."
Veteran Corey Enright will break the club's games record of 326 games, held formerly by club great Ian Nankervis, against the Dogs, while Jimmy Bartel is set to play his 300th game.
Scott said he expected the Bulldogs to be galvanised by the events of the week, with injuries to Mitch Wallis (broken leg) and Jack Redpath (knee) clearly having an effect on the mindset of the Bulldogs' group.
"The whole industry feels for individuals when they have devastating injuries and you feel for the club as well. We know intimately what it's like when you have emotionally-charged injuries to key players," Scott said.
"Dan Menzel didn't play for four years and it takes a little bit of a toll, so our heart goes out to them.
"In trying to work out how they're going to respond, we just expect them to play their best footy – which is formidable."