GEELONG looks set to be boosted by the return of Scott Selwood for Friday night's qualifying final against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Selwood took part in the Cats' open training session at Deakin University in Geelong on Saturday morning after missing his side's round 23 win over Melbourne with hamstring soreness.

The 26-year-old completed running drills away from the main group before doing some ball work and kicking off both sides.

"One of the things with our list this year is how healthy it is," Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins said after the session.

"It's encouraging to see so many players are available for selection each week. Scott's had finals experience with West Coast so he's going to be an important part of what we want to do over the next couple of weeks to a month.

"It's certainly exciting."

The younger brother of skipper Joel could be given the key role of trying to shut down star Hawk Sam Mitchell, who has racked up big numbers in recent clashes against the Cats.

Selwood a chance to tag as Cats put hard yards into Mitchell

Important defender Lachie Henderson did not take part as he continues to recover from knee surgery and is considered doubtful to take on the Hawks.

Nakia Cockatoo, Darcy Lang, Shane Kersten and Jordan Murdoch are among the host of Cats named in the VFL team on Saturday looking to push their claims for a return to the senior side.

Hawthorn is aiming for its fourth premiership in a row, but has claimed underdog status heading into the much-anticipated clash.

"Three (flags) in a row sort of speaks pretty loudly," Hawkins said.

"Everyone wants to knock them off. I can't see anything but them being the hunted.

"We all know how good Hawthorn is.

"We embrace what we've got in front of us and try and do what we do well. (But) we know our best is good enough."