Sydney's Adam Goodes is set to wreak more havoc as a forward after reminding his AFL coach Paul Roos of his former Fitzroy team mate Bernie Quinlan.

Goodes kicked a career best eight goals in the dramatic win over the Dockers.

With full forward Michael O'Loughlin still sidelined with an ankle injury and Goodes not totally injury free himself, the two-time Brownlow medallist was pressed into service in the forward line rather than in his customary midfield role.

Watching Goodes making a successful transition to the forwards reminded Roos of Quinlan.

Roos noticed both men were of similar stature, with Goodes listed at 194cm and 98kgs and Quinlan at 193cm and 97kgs.

"Bernie Quinlan won a Brownlow Medal as a midfielder and then he played until he was 36 as a full forward. Adam is about the same size as Bernie."

"There's obviously a precedent and Bernie was an outstanding midfielder and he went on to become an outstanding full forward".

Roos suggested Goodes would remain as a forward until he requested a return to the midfield or until O'Loughlin became available again.

Despite Goodes' dazzling performance against the Dockers, Roos was adamant his decorated superstar still wasn't fully fit.

"He's (Goodes) obviously not 100 per cent, but watching him on Saturday night, I don't know how much he is," Roos said.

"He's certainly looking a lot better than what Chris Judd was last year, and Barry Hall, but he played forward (against Fremantle) and he didn't have to run the whole game."

Roos has Amon Buchanan available again this week following a four-match suspension, while Nick Malceski will also push for selection after getting plenty of time in the reserves last weekend.

However, he wasn't so sure about veteran fullback Leo Barry, who is battling his way back from a hamstring injury.

With Sydney heading a logjam for fourth spot, Roos was more concerned about his team's form rather than their ladder position.

"You want to be playing well going into the finals regardless of whether you finish eighth or fourth," Roos said.

"There's no point limping into the finals with poor form or a lot of injuries.

"The concern at the moment is we play some good footy on the weekend and we've got to play some more good footy against Geelong.

"It's possible to play well and not win against Geelong, because they are such a good team. We are certainly going out there with a bit more confidence than we did last week".

Roos joked his Geelong counterpart Mark Thompson might leave a dozen players home because of concerns about the ANZ Stadium surface, but pinpointed pressure as the key to beating the Cats.

"If you're not prepared to do that, you might as well not turn up against them, because they are an extraordinarily skillful team and they move the ball so well," Roos said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP