GEELONG champion Gary Ablett has been buoyed by the Cats' new attacking style ahead of a round 18 return that will kickstart his bid for a third AFL premiership. 

Ablett, along with wife Jordan and son Levi, will depart for Queensland on Tuesday to begin their 14-day quarantine period.  

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Coach Chris Scott has all but confirmed Ablett will tackle Sydney in a round 18 clash that will fall after the 36-year-old re-joins teammates on September 15.  

"I'm really looking forward to getting up there with Jordan and Levi and getting our two weeks done in quarantine," Ablett said on Monday. 

"Then joining the boys and hopefully being able to get out there and play some really good football and ultimately have a crack at winning that premiership."

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Ablett hasn't played since returning to Victoria to be with his family and support son Levi battle a "rare and degenerative" disease after the round seven loss to Collingwood on July 7.  

The Cats have averaged more than 82 points in their last five matches as a product of quicker ball movement. 

"The boys have been playing really good football and I think the biggest improvement in our game I think is the way we're taking the game on forward of centre," Ablett said. 

"We're not taking silly risks, but at the same time we are getting the ball inside forward 50 a lot faster and giving our forwards a chance one-on-one. 

"And our hardness around the ball, I've thought our pressure's been really good and we've had so many guys come in and play their role and it shows the depth of our team."

Ablett has been training with Geelong premiership teammate and Cats staffer Andrew Mackie in recent weeks to maintain his fitness. 

The pair will head north alongside other AFL figures including League chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire. 

Meanwhile, the Cats have a number of injury headaches ahead of their next clash against Essendon on Sunday. 

Ruckman Rhys Stanley will need to be monitored after a groin complaint in the dying stages of last week's win over the Western Bulldogs. 

Should Stanley miss, it could open the door for Josh Jenkins to play his first game for the Cats, with back-up ruckman Darcy Fort yet to feature at scratch match level after a foot injury.

Irishman Zach Tuohy will also need to pass a fitness test to line up in his 200th match following a heavy hit to his chest against the Dogs.