Geelong coach Chris Scott addresses his team against Essendon in R16, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

GEELONG coach Chris Scott is bracing for the AFL finals to be played at neutral venues, backing the Cats to win the premiership at any ground.

The Cats would love to host a final at GMHBA Stadium but Scott is resigned to heading interstate due to Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown.

Geelong is assured of a top-four finish and will secure the minor premiership if it defeats the Demons on Saturday night.

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But even topping the ladder appears unlikely to be enough for the Cats to host a final on Victorian soil.

Regional Victoria is not in lockdown as metropolitan Melbourne is, but crowds being allowed in Geelong still appears a long way off.

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"There seems to have been a lot of talk over the last 18 months that the home team gets some sort of say in where they play - I would challenge that," Scott said.

"I don't think that is the way it has played out, I think there are other factors that trump that.

"I don't think the AFL has completely worked out where they stand on it because there are so many things they need to consider.

"The probability is that the finals series will be played on neutral venues, so with that in mind you might have a bit of a preference."

Geelong takes on GWS at GMHBA Stadium in R21, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

Scott concedes it makes sense to prioritise crowds over home crowd advantage in empty stadiums.

The Cats will investigate which neutral venue suits them best but is certain the AFL will have the final say.

"The AFL has been an outstanding custodian of the game throughout an almost impossible period to govern," Scott said.

"They will be beholden to the governments and the rules of the day."

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Forward Gary Rohan (hip) and Tom Atkins (back) are expected to return against the Demons, with Gryan Miers (leg) only an outside chance.

Star veterans Zac Tuohy (hamstring) and Mitch Duncan (knee) are pushing to be available for the finals but the scrapping of the pre-finals bye makes that difficult.

"As a collective we're fine to roll on, it (no pre-finals bye) has hurt Tuohy and Duncan a little bit, but if we can get the job done and play for long enough then it won't be an issue for them either," Scott said.

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