EMERGING Geelong ruckman Nathan Vardy has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to fix a hip injury.

The 20-year-old flew to Tasmania on Monday where renowned hip specialist Dr Michael Pritchard, who performed similar surgery on Cats star Steve Johnson on the eve of the 2009 finals series, operated on him.

But while Johnson made it back to play in the '09 preliminary final and the subsequent Grand Final victory over St Kilda, Vardy will not be so lucky.

"We were hopeful that he might be able to get back, but since the surgery that's been ruled out altogether unfortunately," Geelong coach Chris Scott said at Skilled Stadium on Tuesday.

"It's devastating for a young player; devastating for the club really. But we've got to make sure that we think of the long-term with Nathan."

Vardy suffered the injury when he copped a knock to the hip during the Cats' 11-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in round 21.

The youngster was making his ninth AFL appearance, having made his debut against Carlton in round nine.

Geelong plays the Sydney Swans at Skilled Stadium on Saturday. After enjoying the bye last weekend, the Cats are expected to bring back a number of big names as they gear up for the finals.

Matthew Scarlett has shaken off his knee injury, while Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie and Tom Hawkins, who all missed the clash with the Crows, are expected to be available.

"I've got about 30 guys who are in our best 22 at the moment - they're four of those." Scott said.

Retiring forward Cameron Mooney will miss the game due to suspension.

Scott believes that having the bye so close to the finals has been a bonus for his team.

"We trained pretty hard, but we've also had a couple of blocks of two days off as well," he said.

"Everything was geared around our physical and mental preparation for the finals.

"We think our list is in really good shape. Nathan [Vardy's injury] hurts us a little bit, but besides that we're pretty healthy.

"We're pretty fit too, just looking at the way we've trained over the weekend, so we won't have any excuses about our preparation."

Geelong will round out its home and away campaign when it meets Collingwood in a Friday night clash in round 24.

Given the teams are entrenched in the top four, both are expected to keep plenty of aces up their sleeve.

But the Cats insist they will be taking the game seriously.

"I think if we get to play Collingwood again [in the finals] then that game will be better," Scott said.

"But I reckon this one will be pretty good as well. If I was a punter I'd go along and watch it.

"We certainly won't be saying, 'Boys, go easy'. Maybe subconsciously they might think they've got bigger fish to fry.

"If guys have got niggling injuries they won't play. That's simple.

"But we won't be going out of our way not to play players that are otherwise fit."