ANDREW Mackie says Paul Chapman's suspension from thepreliminary final team is "hard to take" for the Cats' players.
But, the new All Australian defender believes the31-year-old showed last week against Port Adelaide he had the form to push intoa 15th season.
Geelong confirmed on Tuesday morning that Chapman would enter an early guilty plea to his charge of rough conduct against the Power'sRobbie Gray, costing him a one-week ban.
"Whatever he decides to do [next year], there's nodoubt he showed on the weekend he can still play footy," Mackie said atMonday night's All Australian presentation.
"Every player wants to play this time of year and it'ssuch a big game against the Hawks - and not only that, it's on our way to whatwe want to achieve for the year."
Chapman risked a two-week suspension if he took the case tothe AFL Tribunal and lost, which would have ruled him out of Grand Finalcontention should the Cats beat Hawthorn this Friday night.
How Chapman has hurt Hawks in the past
Mackie said he believed the Cats had the depth to cover Chapman'sabsence despite the importance of his four goals last week against the Power.
"He was great for us on the weekend and a player like Chappyis hard to replace," he said.
"But you look at the results of our VFL side andthey're super strong and probably got about 10 blokes who could come in prettyeasily."
The Hawks will enter the game after a week off while theCats have come into the preliminary final the hard way, having had to playFremantle – which left many players sore – and then the Power.
Jared Rivers (ankle) remains a concern after being subbedout of Friday night's game, while Tom Hawkins continues to struggle with hisback issue.
But Mackie said the Cats might emerge better placed forhaving played an extra game.
"To be honest, we felt like we needed the run around.We hadn't played that great against Brisbane [in round 23] and Fremantle and weonly got our game started in the second half against Port Adelaide," hesaid.
"For us, it was good to get out there and find thatform again and hopefully that can kick start into Friday night."
