Geelong are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for the AFL's toughest challenge: taking on Richmond at the MCG.
The in-form Cats are primed to return to the big stage for prodigal son Gary Ablett's first Friday night game at the MCG since the 2010 preliminary final.
They will confront a Tigers side that has won a record 18-straight games at the home of football, with two of those victories coming against Geelong.
The Cats on Wednesday moved their main training session to Deakin University, a ground with dimensions similar to those of the MCG.
Coach Chris Scott said there was no hiding from Geelong's sketchy recent form at the MCG or the venue's unique challenges compared to the skinny confines of GMHBA Stadium.
"It would show a lack of preparation to say 'well, let's just play the same way' because it's a footy ground and there are goalposts up either end," Scott said.
"The dimensions are different which means the team's formation needs to set up a little bit differently.
"It's clear that we'd like to play better there ... (but) the venue doesn't hold any fears for us.
"We know that if we're to get where we aspire to be, we're going to have to play good footy at the MCG against the team that plays it the best in the comp."
Key defender Tom Stewart is unlikely to face the reigning premiers after injuring his ankle during the Cats' win over Brisbane last Saturday.
The Cats' miserly backline has been one of their greatest strengths this season but Scott said there was no use trying to beat the Tigers with a defensive game-plan.
"We're of the view that especially against the best teams, and Richmond are clearly on top of that group, you need to have the capacity to score and put them under pressure," Scott said.
"If you just try to hang in and protect your back half against them, the weight of numbers can tell in the end.
"We would like to put all teams under pressure but especially them. We'd like them to defend a bit longer than they do in general."
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