Nathan Vardy and Trent West, who missed the loss to the Brisbane Lions after suffering minor back problems, are available to return after playing against Coburg in the VFL last weekend.
"We need to assess how they have pulled up from that game, and then make an informed decision based on what we need against Hawthorn," Cats coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday morning.
However, the impressive form of rejuvenated ruckman Dawson Simpson, who has carried the rucking load for two weeks in the absence of West and Vardy, has created a selection headache.
Simpson was sidelined by back problems during the first half of the season, before winning a call-up for the game against the Lions.
The 24-year-old, who has played only seven AFL games since being drafted in 2007, was an important factor in the Cats' win over Fremantle at Simonds Stadium last Saturday night.
Further complicating matters, fellow big man Josh Walker, who is yet to play an AFL match this season after playing seven last year, booted five goals in the VFL against Coburg.
"Fortunately, we're in the position now where we can choose," Scott said.
"We've been a little bit limited in our options, but when Hamish (McIntosh) comes back, hopefully in a few weeks, we're going to have even more options."
The MCC is tipping a crowd of 80,000 to pack the 'G for Saturday night's clash, in which Geelong is aiming for its 11th win on the trot against Hawthorn.
"It's one v two, so that's the most important thing," Scott said.
"I think the supporters love the theatre, but we love it as well.
"We're not immune to the theatre and the atmosphere that will be there on Saturday night."
Still, Scott always plays down the importance of the fact that the Cats have not lost to the Hawks since the 2008 Grand Final.
"We treat every game in isolation," he said. "We think we're a different team to 2012, and we're certainly a different team to 2008. And Hawthorn are as well.
"We play differently. I think Hawthorn play differently as well. We think they're an extremely talented side and they're going to be really hard to beat.
"We've got bigger fish to fry than worrying about history and streaks and all those sorts of things.
"We've been slowly improving parts of our game, and this is another step we need to take."
Hawthorn is the highest-scoring team in the competition, but Geelong has taken heart from the way it strangled Fremantle.
The Cats held the Dockers to just seven goals, which was a particularly meritorious effort after they gave up a 52-point lead against the Brisbane Lions the week before.
"The belief we got from Saturday night's game was probably offset somewhat by the loss of belief after the Brisbane debacle," Scott said.
"We were embarrassed by that, we responded well, but good teams don't respond well for one week. They make permanent changes.
"The defensive part of our game is important, but Hawthorn present different challenges to the challenges that Fremantle presented, so we're going to have to adapt to that.
"Defence is a priority in the game for both teams I would’ve thought, because, given their way, both Hawthorn and Geelong can attack pretty well."
Adam McNicol is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_AdamMcNicol
