LOOK WHO’S BACK! HARRY, GARY RETURN

MATTHEW Scarlett has backed in Geelong’s young forward line to shoulder the scoring burden in the absence of Tom Hawkins and Daniel Menzel.

The Cats will be without their two leading goalkickers in Sunday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG and will be hoping the likes of Esava Ratugolea, Cory Gregson and Tim Kelly can help kick a winning score.

Geelong has, however, brought back experience in other parts of the ground, with Gary Ablett and Harry Taylor both returning from injury.

Scarlett said Ablett would slip straight into midfield, but will spend time forward.

Taylor, who injured himself in the Round 1 win over Melbourne, will come straight into the team without a game in the VFL.

Scarlett said only a hiccup in today’s final training session would rule out either player from Sunday’s clash.

“They’re two very big inclusions,” Scarlett said last night. “Harry is going to be fantastic to slot in down back. He brings that little bit more experience around those younger guys. And we know what Gaz will bring. Hopefully they both get through training. The team is looking forward to getting them back in.”

Zac Smith also comes into the squad after being a late withdrawal last Friday night with a back spasm, while Wylie Buzza, George HorlinSmith, James Parsons have also been included.

Scarlett admitted the Cats had debated whether Taylor needed a game at VFL level, given he has missed six weeks of footy.

“We’ve had a close eye on Harry’s training form. He’s been really good and moving around quite well. We do a lot of match simulation training and he has performed really well as that,” Scarlett said.

“We discussed what the best thing for Harry was and what was best for the team and we felt like he was ready to go.”

With Hawkins (suspension) and Menzel (groin) out, Geelong does not have a player who has kicked more than 10 goals this season.

The Cats will ask Ratugolea to be the key physical presence inside 50. Stewart Crameri, who made his AFL comeback last week for his 100th game, will be Geelong’s most experienced permanent forward.

“It’s going to be a different looking forward line, but it has all year with guys injured. It gives opportunities to other guys,” Scarlett said. “Stewart Crameri played really well last week and he will get an opportunity. The MCG suits him, he is a great athlete.”