RIDING its best bill of health and run of form for the season, Geelong will hit September with the most momentum it’s enjoyed in recent years, coach Chris Scott says.

Preparing for an elimination final for the first time since 2011 and off consecutive triple-figure wins, Scott insists his side is better placed than back-to-back years with double chances.

While using the pre-finals bye to freshen up physically, the Cats won't be afforded time to switch off mentally.

CATS IN A CANTER Full match coverage and stats

"In principle, what we're trying to do is keep the momentum going and not be away from the place for too long and not really relax too much," Scott said after Saturday's win over Gold Coast.

"We put a lot of effort into managing the group over the course of the year.

"It hasn't worked out for us as well as we would've liked in the last couple of years, we were almost limping into the finals series.

"I know we're lower down the ladder this year, but we feel like we're going in with more momentum and in better health and better form.

Scott believes superstar Patrick Dangerfield, the most influential player on the ground against the Suns with 34 disposals and four goals, represented the Cats' build-up to finals.

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Fighting various niggles and playing at less than 100 per cent throughout the season, Dangerfield has returned to his best in the past month, averaging 34 touches.

"He's probably symbolic of most of our team," Scott said.

"We've had some ups and downs, lack of continuity for various reasons, but now we don't really have too many complaints.

"We've got a group of players who think we're going a lot better than we were even six weeks ago.

"He's not the only one, we've had a few guys who have had bumps and bruises that haven't quite been at their best or at their healthiest, but they are now."

WATCH Chris Scott's full post-match press conference 

Cam Guthrie was rested in the final term against the Suns, limping off with a corkie shortly after quarter-time. 

Scott said ruckman Rhys Stanley was "optimistic" to consider himself in the frame for the first final, Ryan Abbott set to battle with Zac Smith for the No.1 mantle.

Stanley trained pre-match on Saturday and will continue to push his case in the next fortnight following a calf injury.

Esava Ratugolea got through his VFL return on Saturday unscathed playing limited minutes and will front up again for next week's qualifying final in his bid for an AFL finals berth.