GEELONG has made its way back into the top three on the AFL ladder after three wins in its past four matches, including an impressive victory over St Kilda on Monday night.

Away from home and with four games in 19 days, the Cats would be thrilled to get through that game unscathed while also managing to rest Lachie Fogarty, Sam Simpson and Zach Guthrie.

Forward Tom Hawkins has hit a rich vein of form, booting five goals against the Saints to move to the top of the Coleman Medal race with 24 in eleven games, and he was ably supported by the dynamic Gary Rohan who came in fresh and booted four goals of his own.

The Cats may elect to keep their rotation policy going for Friday night’s match-up against Port Adelaide given their shorter turnaround, and Fogarty, Simpson and Guthrie would be eager to return, as would Esava Ratugolea, who has been pushed out of the side with the inclusion of Rhys Stanley in the ruck.

Still without star Gary Ablett, who has returned to Victoria to be with his family, the Cats could consider bringing back the impressive Charlie Constable into the line-up after he was forced out of the previous two games with a concussion.

The 21-year-old, who could slot straight back into the midfield, will need to pass a test to be considered.

Geelong has won four of the last five games against Port and 14 of the last 16 meetings dating back 13 years, but the Power enjoyed an eleven-point win at Adelaide Oval in the most recent meeting in Round 14 last year.

The overall record shows Geelong’s dominance with 22 wins from 33 games and a draw.

The third-placed Cats will name their side on Thursday evening for the game against Port before the two clubs collide at Metricon Stadium the following night.