Geelong coach Chris Scott is unsure when Harry Taylor will return from the foot injury that threatens to derail the veteran's AFL season.
Taylor was restricted by plantar fasciitis during the first half of the Cats' campaign.
The swingman played rounds 15 and 16, but has since been sidelined because of a tendon issue in the same left foot.
Scott declared the 32-year-old will be with the club next year, but was less emphatic when it came to nominating a potential return date this season.
"That foot issue is persisting, so there's not a lot of clarity around when he'll be back," Scott told reporters in Geelong on Thursday.
"We still don't think it's serious.
"We just need to investigate that one a little bit further."
Geelong's defence has excelled this season without Taylor, restricting their opposition to a league-best average of 10.3 goals per game.
Finding support for spearhead Tom Hawkins, who has struck career-best form ahead of Saturday's clash with Brisbane, and settling the side's forward line has been trickier.
Injuries to Taylor, Stewart Crameri (groin) and Esava Ratugolea (broken ankle) have robbed Scott of some firepower.
"We haven't had much continuity (in the forward line). We've tended to change that, mostly because of injury," Scott said.
"It's a little bit up for grabs.
"Dan Menzel being out for so long changed the mix of that forward line as well.
"We've got some options. We'd like it to be more stable, but that's outside our control."
Ratugolea has resumed running, while Scott insists Geelong are being extra cautious with Crameri because of the forward''s previous hip trouble.
Using Patrick Dangerfield more as a forward is one obvious option, while young defender Jack Henry impressed in attack for the Cats during their after-the-siren win over Melbourne.
Scott suggested Henry could stay forward during the business end of the season.
"That wasn't as much a Hail Mary as Zach Tuohy going forward," he said, noting Henry has performed the role in the VFL.
"He could do it long term."
Hawkins, who has booted 11 goals during the past fortnight, looms as a key threat the Lions must quell if they're to cause an upset this weekend.
Scott noted the power forward's career-best form extended to a number of areas, not just his clean marking and goal-kicking.
"He's had a good season but his leadership off the field, on the field ... in helping dictate the way we play has been as good as I've seen it," he said.
