The 31-year-old wasn't selected to face Hawthorn in the Cats' AFL season opener on Monday at the MCG after hip soreness disrupted his pre-season.
But 28 touches in Geelong's eight-point VFL win over Williamstown in Torquay on Sunday has catapulted him into the frame for the clash with North Melbourne next Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
"I thought Joel played really well as an inside midfielder and then when he went into defence, particularly late in the game, he sort of held Williamstown up a bit," Geelong VFL coach Matthew Knights told Fairfax News.
"Obviously James Kelly and Joel Corey are going to come into contention but there's a game to be played [on Monday].
"We'll leave that scenario to the match committee to make the decision during the week, but he [Corey] played wonderfully well today."
Earlier on Sunday, key Geelong midfielder Jimmy Bartel told Channel 7's Game Day that competition was hot for senior positions after the pre-season.
"It has been tough for spots because we've played so many guys through the NAB Cup and a lot of those younger guys really impressed," Bartel said.
"Joel probably played two games in the pre-season so it's just a matter of which way the coaching staff decides to go."
Emerging ruckman/forward Josh Walker, who was named as an emergency along with Corey and Jake Stringer for Monday's game, hurt his shoulder early in the VFL win.
The injury will be assessed on Monday.
Walker was promoted from the rookie list last year and played seven AFL games, including his AFL debut against Collingwood in round 16.
He was again upgraded to the senior list, along with Mark Blicavs, who has been named to face Hawthorn, only last week.
Mitch Brown was another who impressed against Williamstown with 34 disposals and 11 marks.
Joel Corey is a midfielder in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 77 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub .
Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.
