CAMERON Guthrie is likely to face the greatest test of his 52-game career when Geelong takes on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, with Chris Scott earmarking him for a run-with job on Gary Ablett.

Guthrie, who wears the number that Ablett made famous at the Cattery, has already gone head-to-head with some of the best players in the game this season, including Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury and Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield.

"There's every chance (that Guthrie will play on Ablett)," Scott said at Simonds Stadium on Tuesday.

Caddy leads young Cats staking senior claims

"Cam's been playing that role for us this year and has done a really good job and relishes the big jobs. Well, there's no bigger.

"We would expect they'd be matched up at times. But the way modern footy is, it's unlikely that would happen for the whole game.

"We've got some pretty good options in there as well as Cam.

"Not necessarily great options to take on Gazza, because he's a pretty special player.

"But … (Steve) Johnson will come back. He might play on him for a little bit as well."

The Cats are set to make a host of changes for the clash with the Suns, with Johnson among the players likely to be recalled.

Johnson (back) and defender Jared Rivers (knee) were late withdrawals from the team that thrashed St Kilda on Sunday.

Ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who was rested on the weekend, will also be back.

And midfielder Allen Christensen is set to play his first AFL game for the season after two impressive hit-outs in the VFL.

"He's absolutely ready," Scott said.

Josh Caddy, who returned to the field in the VFL on Saturday after a long lay-off with a broken foot, is also a strong chance to make the trip to south-east Queensland.

Caddy was named among the best players in the Cats' VFL win over Coburg.

"From a medical and conditioning perspective, he's available for AFL selection this week," Scott said. 

"Now it's just a question of whether we're cautious again or whether we back in the fact that he can come in and have an impact straight away."

But there are doubts over key defender Harry Taylor. 

"He is a bit sore," Scott said. "He got a knock to his knee. I guess we can't guarantee that he'll play, but we're optimistic."

Added Cats physio Mike Snelling: "Someone collided with him from the right side. He's got a little irritation to his knee.

"We've scanned him. It doesn't look too bad, which is good news, so he'll be a 'test' for this week."

George Horlin-Smith is also in doubt. The emerging midfielder was subbed off at half-time of the clash with the Saints after copping a knock to the back.

"But he hasn't been ruled out, that's for sure," Scott said.