GEELONG is planning to use a champion team of defenders to counter Hawthorn's 111-goal champion Buddy Franklin in Saturday's grand final, according to captain Tom Harley.

In a battle threatening to shape the premiership decider, Franklin will probably find himself next to All-Australian fullback Matthew Scarlett at the start of the match but can expect a revolving door of Cat defenders throughout the day.

Franklin had the better of several opponents against the Cats in round 17 but inaccuracy kept him to just four goals. However, he was soundly beaten by Max Hudghton in last Saturday's preliminary final and will be keen to atone at the MCG on Saturday.

The Cats are under no illusion as to just how good Franklin is but Harley says it won't be left to one man to stop the superstar.

"What we've done in the past is rolled over a fair bit with our backline," Harley said.

"Scarlo (Matthew Scarlett) has spent a bit of time on him, Harry (Taylor), I've spent a bit of time there, Andrew Mackie has so [it will] probably be a combination of those."

But Harley said he would be happy to take the responsibility if asked. "If the coach feels so, yeh, definitely, definitely. I know I'll be in the area somewhere," he said.

Harley said the mood in Geelong was building and the players were well aware of the part they played in the life of the city.

"We represent the club, we represent the players, the staff, the town, the works.

"That's the unique thing about the Geelong footy club is that we do have a real community feel about what we do.

"So I am sure they'll be right behind us, the town is starting to get a bit blue and white mad now, which is great and we are playing for all of them as well.

"I don't think there will be less buzz now. Expectations have been really high all season and this is what they've been waiting for."