Geelong coach Mark Thompson expects his players to be at their best against Collingwood in Friday night's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

The top-of-the-table clash provides the Magpies with a chance to test themselves against the reigning premiers, but Thompson said the Cats would not be short on incentive for winning either.

"Our guys love playing against good teams and Collingwood are a good team and we've had some great contests," he said on Tuesday.

"We're going to do everything we possibly can.

"I know our boys will be motivated Friday night to play near to their best football as they possibly can."

Geelong expect to regain full-forward James Podsiadly after he missed last Saturday night's thrashing of the Brisbane Lions through groin soreness.

Thompson expected midfielder James Kelly, who sat out the game with a calf injury, to also push for selection.

But in an injury blow, star midfielder Joel Corey is set to miss another three games at least because of his knee troubles, and will undergo minor surgery to address the problem.

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