CHRIS Scott believes Geelong has a "method that troubles" a Richmond side he declared a better outfit in 2018 than the 2019 version.
Friday night's preliminary final will be just the second meeting for the two sides this year after Geelong's commanding 67-point win back in round 12.
And while the Tigers are expected to field eight players that missed that loss – including Jack Riewoldt, David Astbury, Kane Lambert and Toby Nankervis – Scott said his side would take confidence.
"They've (Richmond) made a few minor tweaks to the way they've been playing since then, but I think to look on the positive side, and I don't think it means that much, but certainly our players aren't looking back thinking we can't beat them," Scott said on Tuesday.
"I think we do have a method that troubles them, I'm not a big fan of looking too far back but I don't think we were anywhere near as good a team as we are now, last year.
"And I think they were a better team last year than they are now.
"We played them twice (last year) and got roughly within a kick those times (three point and 18-point losses) as well.
"For what it's worth, our players would think, 'Well if we get the game on our terms there is a way to beat them'."
Scott wouldn't reveal who would replace the suspended Tom Hawkins, who failed to have his "Hail Mary" Tribunal attempt overturned on Monday night but conceded a call had been made.
"We haven't got a Tom Hawkins replacement, so we'll be different, but different is not necessarily worse," he said.
"We virtually came to that position on Saturday, we've known for a while, the players all know, it's not a great mystery.
Hawkins was all smiles at training on Tuesday.
"You're right, I'm not going to tell you, but we'll be clear. I think that's more important to us at this stage of the year than maybe even coming up with a better plan but allowing the uncertainty to fester during the week.
"We've made our decision pretty much, contingencies (are in place) here and there but I think we'll just back that in."
With Scott admitting the Cats had already made a call, it would appear forward Gary Rohan is unlikely to play with Scott adding he was no "lock" to return from a knee injury.
Rohan was put through his paces on Tuesday.
The former Swan joined in parts of main training with Scott "optimistic" he would be cleared to play after another knee setback kept him out of the semi-final win over West Coast.
Midfielders James Parsons, Scott Selwood and Charlie Constable are in the frame if the Cats decide to send Dangerfield forward, while swingman Lachie Henderson trained fully on Tuesday.
Parsons trained strongly on Tuesday ahead of a possible return.
Key forward options Wylie Buzza and Darcy Fort also remain as part of the squad despite not playing a proper match since the VFL season ended on August 31.
Mitch Duncan removed his knee brace to begin slow running but has again been ruled out, along with Jordan Clark who had elbow surgery last week.
Duncan is hopeful of returning for the Grand Final if the Cats make it. 
Patrick Dangerfield wasn't sighted on the track but is in no doubt for Friday night with the superstar on an individual program along with Brandan Parfitt and Tom Atkins.
The clash with Richmond will be Scott's fifth preliminary final in charge at the Cats, currently holding a win-loss record of 1-3 in the penultimate match of the season.
