Geelong superstar Gary Ablett should be available to play against Greater Western Sydney after recovering from a hamstring injury.
But coach Chris Scott must be convinced there are absolutely no lingering doubts over the 33-year-old's fitness before giving him the green light.
Ablett hurt a hamstring against West Coast in round three after suffering a similar injury late in the pre-season.
The Cats would dearly love to welcome the two-time Brownlow Medal winner back into their midfield mix against the Giants at Kardinia Park on Friday night.
But Scott will delay Ablett's return until round eight when Geelong play Collingwood if there is even the slightest doubt over his readiness.
"I think he'll be available, whether we play him or not is probably the more relevant question," Scott said on Fox Footy's AFL 360.
"If someone can mount an argument that we're really sure about the next week (against the Pies) but there might be an element of doubt this week, most of the time you'd go with the balance of probabilities.
"I think with him, and I've said it a few times, any doubt and I'd be surprised if we play him.
"But that's not to rule him out."
Geelong, ninth on the ladder with a 3-3 record, are looking to bounce back after Sydney stunned the Cats with a seven-goals-to-one final term in their 17-point win at Kardinia Park.
Scott admitted stars Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood have been playing sore in recent weeks, but are on the improve.
"I'm happy to be really transparent with this ... I think it's reasonably well-known that (Dangerfield) had an interrupted pre-season with a back issue," the coach said.
"He's not at his best at the moment.
"And Joel hasn't been at his best.
"I think it's a little bit of lack of preparation (with Dangerfield) and we knew that going in. He got a decent corked calf one week, he's clearly good enough to be out there.
"But Joel's been sore as well, I don't mind saying it. I'm happier saying it now with Joel because he's probably through it."
