RUCKMAN Ryan Abbott has catapulted into contention for a debut against Richmond on Friday night with concerns over Rhys Stanley's fitness.

Stanley failed to train during Wednesday's main session at Deakin University – moved away from GMHBA Stadium as the Cats prepare for the dimensions of the clash at the MCG.

Abbott, 27, has been on the verge of senior selection in the past two months, enjoying strong VFL form in his second year at the club.

The possibility of blooding the Cats' seventh 2018 debutant was raised by coach Chris Scott when discussing potential inclusions for the injured Tom Stewart pre-training.

MATCH PREVIEW Tigers v Cats

"We speak about Ryan Abbott most weeks, with good reason because he is close to selection," Scott said on Wednesday.

"I'm just expecting Ryan to develop as a young ruckman who will be on our list for a long time.

"We're confident that he can (play at the level), even though he hasn't had his chance yet."

Stanley was an onlooker during the 90-minute session while the rest of his teammates were put through their paces, including Abbott who trained with the midfield group.

One of the most in-form ruckmen in the competition in the past six weeks, Stanley has battled illness in recent times and spent the final nine minutes on the bench in last week's win over Brisbane.

Stewart completed running away from the main group at Deakin, and is all but certain to miss the clash with the Tigers.

"I appreciate his optimism but the feedback to me is he's unlikely," Scott said.

"We'll give him every chance, but I think the moral of the story is what looked like a very serious injury isn't so much.

"Until he (Stewart) starts changing direction and starts football-type movement it's a bit hard to say (when he'll be back)."

Scott flagged the potential of Zach Guthrie, Mark O'Connor and Jackson Thurlow as options in the back half, should emerging rookie Jack Henry continue his stint as a forward.

Captain Joel Selwood could also spend time there after glimpses against the Lions.

If Henry is moved back, Scott suggested James Parsons, Jamaine Jones or Jordan Murdoch would be in the frame.

Looking to snap Richmond's record run of 18 straight wins at the MCG, Scott said moving to Deakin University gave the Cats the smallest of assistance.

Dating back to last year's qualifying final loss to the Tigers, the Cats are 3-4 at the home of football.

"It's a one-percenter, if that. It's probably our preference when we're at the MCG to be there (Deakin) because it's closer to those dimensions," Scott said.

"We know that if we're to get to where we aspire to be, we're going to have to play good footy at the MCG against the team that plays it the best in comp."

Scott only has to look back to round 13 when the Tigers last beat the Geelong at the MCG to the tune of 18 points, the Cats' last visit to the venue.

"It's one of the rare times where you've actually got some recent form to compare," Scott said.

"Our guys around the ball were actually pretty good, especially around the centre bounces.

"We'd like to maximise our chances in there.

"It's easier said than done with the like of (Trent) Cotchin, (Dustin) Martin, (Shane) Edwards and (Kane) Lambert. They've got a pretty deep midfield in there.

"Especially if it's a bit slippery, the contest around the ball will be pivotal to the outcome."

Meantime, Harry Taylor ramped up his return from a tendon complaint in his left foot, running and completing ball work away from the main group.

He was joined by Esava Ratugolea who completed his biggest session to date, on the comeback trail from a broken ankle against Carlton in round 10.

Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring) and Stewart Crameri (groin) look set to be sidelined for at least one more week as their injuries persist.