GEELONG is set to welcome back Corey Enright, Lincoln McCarthy and Shane Kersten for Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, Cats coach Chris Scott says.
Enright was 'managed' for last Saturday's game against Essendon, while the Cats took the opportunity to give McCarthy – who has had a history of long-term foot problems – a rest after he played the first three games of the season.
Kersten was a late withdrawal from the side that beat the Dons with a tight calf and was replaced by Jake Kolodjashnij.
"We'll definitely name both of them (Enright and McCarthy) in our squad, and barring any unforeseen circumstances they'll both play," Scott said.
"At this stage we're thinking, assuming he's fit and available, [Kersten] would come back into our team."
The Cats have taken a considered view with McCarthy preferring to err on the side of caution as he re-establishes himself as a regular senior footballer.
McCarthy kicked five goals from three games to start the season before sitting out last Saturday's game against the Bombers.
"He was in really good touch but he's had a difficult run with injury and we think it's really important to make sure we're proactive with his management," Scott said.
"We decided it was better to make a mistake by being too conservative rather than waiting until something pops up."
Scott is expecting a fierce contest against the Power, particularly after an embarrassing 86-point loss to Greater Western Sydney in Canberra last weekend.
Port chairman David Koch even labelled the team's performance a "disgrace" during the week.
"We're expecting a response, more based on their performance rather than what anyone's said," Scott said.
"That's logical isn't it? They're a proud footy club, they're back at their home venue, where they've got a really good record, and we've got respect for what their best football looks like."
Negating defender Jed Bews is on the cusp of senior selection after an impressive performance at VFL level last week, but he won't be picked against the Power.
George Horlin-Smith, who has racked up a ton of possessions for the VFL Cats over the past fortnight, is also nearing a senior return and Scott is confident he will get his chance at some stage.
The Cats were extremely inaccurate in front of goal against the Bombers, booting 9.18 in the 30-point win.
Mobile forward Daniel Menzel inflated those figures with 0.5 and Scott said he is not too perturbed that it has become a trend in Geelong games.
"Fortunately it's one of those things it's generally easy to turn around," Scott said.
"When there's a pattern over a number of weeks it comes a bit harder. We had a poor day last week but our guys are doing the work so we've got confidence that that will translate into performance."
