GEELONG and Collingwood have both chosen potential short-term pain for long-term gain by resting a key player for Sunday's clash.

The red-hot Cats are taking no risks with mercurial forward Dan Menzel, who has fought back from multiple knee reconstructions and has had more recent issues with groin soreness.

Similarly, the Magpies have decided to rest their best key-position player in Ben Reid, due to his history of knee and soft-tissue injuries and the short turnaround from the Anzac Day loss to Essendon.

The 25-year-old Menzel has been a key figure in the Cats' unbeaten start to the season, booting 15 goals in five matches.

"Dan has pulled up OK, but for the first time this year there are a few really mild signs .... it's just a matter of making sure we are pro-active there," coach Chris Scott said on Friday.

"His history is well documented, and being a little bit safer is a better mistake if you do make one.

"Every player on our list wants to play every week, especially in big games, and it is a big game.

"He's disappointed to miss but he acknowledges, especially given the work he and his team have done over the last couple of years, that it has to happen at some point."

Sam Menegola will replace Menzel in Geelong's side.

Swingman Reid shapes as an ever bigger loss for Collingwood, who have won only one of their opening five matches, heaping the pressure on coach Nathan Buckley.

"We're really aware of where Reidy's at, we'll continue to manage our list, despite our win-loss, to our best endeavours," said Buckley.

"We'll continue to pick the side that we think is going to give us the best chance to win.

"Potentially 'Reidy' isn't in that mix this week due to the soreness of his body and the quick turnaround for him, which just doesn't help him produce his best."