2013 LADDER FINISH: 3rd

ARRIVALS: Zac Bates, Nick Bourke, Jarrad Jansen, Jake Kolodjashnij, Darcy Lang, Michael Luxford, James Toohey

DEPARTURES: Ryan Bathie, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey, Cam Eardley, Josh Hunt, James Podsiadly, Trent West

Click here for more 2014 season previews

BEST 22
B: Cameron Guthrie, Tom Lonergan, Jared Rivers
HB: Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: Mathew Stokes, James Kelly, Mitch Duncan
HF: Steven Motlop, Jordan Murdoch, Jimmy Bartel
F: Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, Josh Caddy
R: Dawson Simpson, Steve Johnson, Joel Selwood
I/C: Mark Blicavs, George Horlin-Smith, Billie Smedts
SUB: Taylor Hunt

MEDICAL ROOM
George Burbury (jaw) 5 weeks
Allen Christensen (back) 8-10 weeks
Shane Kersten (knee) test
Daniel Menzel (knee) indefinite
Steven Motlop (knee) 4 weeks
Joel Selwood (hamstring) test
Billie Smedts (calf) test
Nathan Vardy (knee) test

Check out the AFL's injury list

PASS MARK FOR 2014: Despite their rash of pre-season injuries and the departures of many senior players, the Cats are unlikely to be happy with a finish outside the top six.

NEEDS A BIG YEAR: Hamish McIntosh. The former North Melbourne ruckman didn't play a game at any level last year after being unable to shake off a number of leg injuries. Given he has a three-year contract and is being paid handsomely, he needs to get out on the park this season. 

FIRST FIVE GAMES: Adelaide (SS), Brisbane Lions (G), Collingwood (MCG), West Coast (SS), Hawthorn (MCG)

Click here to see Geelong's entire 2014 fixture

PLAY TWICE: North Melbourne, Fremantle, Carlton, Hawthorn, Brisbane Lions

TOUGHEST RUN: In rounds nine, 10 and 11 the Cats play Fremantle in Perth, North Melbourne at home and the Sydney Swans at the SCG.

DREAM SCENARIO: McIntosh plays 20 games and the Cats re-establish their dominance over Hawthorn in the home and away season, before going on and winning the flag, defeating the Hawks in the Grand Final.

WORST NIGHTMARE: The injuries continue, poor form sets in, and the club fails to make the finals for the first time since 2006.

PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: 3/10. Chris Scott would have been under quite a bit of pressure if the Cats had lost their semi-final against Port Adelaide last season. That would have made it three finals losses on the trot. It would also have meant a straight sets exit from the September action. But Scott's men eased the pressure on their coach by fighting back to beat the Power and then almost toppling Hawthorn in the preliminary final. As long as the Cats continue to make the finals, Scott's position will be rock solid.