Geelong coach Mark Thompson believes his side has the skill to break down Hawthorn's game plan in Friday night's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

The round 17 clash has been billed as a potential grand final preview for a long time given the reigning premier and the third-placed Hawks have been two of the three form sides this season.

Thompson said the fact the sides had not played since round four last year made it hard to prepare for this match.

But he was confident Geelong had the run, skill and form to take on Hawthorn's zone set-up.

"Tactically it will be a very interesting game," he said.

"We'd like to not go too far away from what we do but you certainly have to make some alterations to how you play because in effect that cluster, that zone defence, has worked for them and is a good strategy.

"But the way we play is a chance to break through it."

Cats midfielders Gary Ablett and Cameron Ling will definitely miss the game because of injury but half-back David Wojcinski is still a chance to play.

Wojcinski, who missed the win over the second-placed Western Bulldogs because of an Achilles injury, will be given until early Friday to prove his fitness.

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