CHRIS Scott believes closer scrutiny of third-man up ruck contests would be "a good thing", despite the Cats' success using an extra big man at stoppages this season.

Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs double-teamed the Power's Matthew Lobbe to stunning effect last Friday night, combining for 54 hit-outs, 33 disposals and two goals in the Cats' win.

Just 11 games into the season, Blicavs has already smashed the previous record for third-man up hit-outs in a season with 71.

Geelong's strategy has stoked the long-running debate about the third-man up, with Fremantle coach Ross Lyon coming out in support while Alastair Clarkson encourages the practice at Hawthorn.

But with more non-competing ruckmen than ever jumping at stoppages, Scott expects a crackdown from umpires this weekend.

"I think they probably will, but I think that's a good thing. They have been really, really clear with our club – and I assume with the others as well – that the third-man up can't be blocked," the Cats coach said.

"But I think the thing they will watch a little bit closer, which we fully support, is the other ruckman just looking to blanket his opponent to allow the third man-up clear access.

"That's a clear breach of the rules as well. If we do that, I would expect our players to be penalised."

Scott said his opinion about a potential rule change to stop the third-man up was "pretty neutral really", provided there were no knee-jerk reactions from League lawmakers.

"The one thing I would say publicly is they've been pretty clear in the previous few years that they think the third-man up helps clear congestion, which is the No.1 enemy in the game at the moment," he said.

"I think it is also interesting to note that while it's an interesting tactic, it doesn't necessarily work all the time.

"I think numbers indicate pretty clearly that there are only a few clubs who benefit from that tactic. There's a benefit, no question, but there's also a risk."

Scott said the Cats needed to adapt their ruck tactics against Melbourne on Sunday, with Stanley's foot injury further depleting their big man stocks.

The former Saint joins Hamish McIntosh (calf tendon), Nathan Vardy (knee) and Mitch Clark (calf) on the sidelines, while Dawson Simpson (shoulder) is set to return via the VFL this weekend.

"The upside is Blicavs and (Josh) Walker have been doing a great job. While neither of them are probably genuine, A-grade, big AFL ruckmen, they do propose a different challenge to the opposition," Scott said.

"We'd like to have more players available to play in the ruck, but we're certainly not bereft of options."