GEELONG full-back Tom Lonergan will face a fitness test before Friday night's blockbuster against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, but he is expected to be available for selection.

The Cats' veteran was managed out of last week's game against Port Adelaide after experiencing calf tightness during the week.

However, he looms as a crucial player for the Cats, with a potential match-up on Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker.

Walker has kicked just one goal in three games at Simonds Stadium but he sits ninth on the goalkicking table with 25 goals, having missed the first match of the season with injury.

Cats football manager Steve Hocking said last week was a good chance to freshen up the 32-year-old Lonergan.

"He had a little bit of calf tightness last week. He'll be a test, but I imagine he will get up [to play]," Hocking told AFL.com.au.

Geelong defeated Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round eight last season but Lonergan was out of the game early due to concussion, with Lachie Henderson stepping up and playing one of his best games for the Cats.

Walker did not kick a goal in the return bout at Simonds Stadium in round 18 as the Cats won by five goals.

The Cats also might spring a surprise, with Nakia Cockatoo a rough chance to return from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the game after quarter-time against the Western Bulldogs in round nine.

The injury was a minor one and Hocking said the explosive youngster could be considered depending on how he trained.

"He's a genuine chance and looks like being a test as well," Hocking said.

The Cats have won seven games this season and sit third on the ladder, one game and percentage behind Adelaide in top spot, testament to both clubs' list management.

However the Cats have used 33 players this season compared to Adelaide's 27, and have selected five players for their first games and introduced two recruits from other clubs.

The Crows have selected two first-gamers, while recruits Troy Menzel and Curtly Hampton played their first games for the club this season.