Geelong could be bolstered by the return of a group of big names, including ruck star Brad Ottens, for the blockbuster clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

Cats coach Cats coach Mark Thompson said on Tuesday that Ottens, who is over a foot injury, could waltz straight back into the side as long as he gets through training this week.

The premiers could also open the door for captain Cameron Ling, who has had a back complaint and defender Harry Taylor, now recovered from a foot injury.

While Ottens is the side's No.1 ruckman, Thompson said he could be used as a forward to work with Trent West and help cover the loss of Tom Hawkins and Cam Mooney.

"That is an option, that is a real option because we are missing Hawk and Moons and Pods (James Podsiadly) can't do it all on his own," he said.

"That might be an option (and) young Westy mightn't get pushed out."

Thompson said Ottens had worked hard in the gym in his comeback although his running has been restricted.

"He has been pretty busy but he hasn't been able to run much so we will have to see how his fitness is tomorrow at training and then make a decision.

"We should have Lingy back although his back is still a little bit sore but he will more than likely be okay.

"Harry Taylor has just got to kick with his foot but he has already had a few kicks over a short distance so he is more likely to play than not to play," Thompson said.

Hawthorn has been in form over the past two months, winning its past seven matches after a horror start.

They have not beaten the Cats since their upset win over them in the 2008 grand final but Thompson says the side, which has escaped with narrow wins in the past three meetings, always lifts against the Hawks.

Thompson also forecast the Cats would continue with their risky pro-active style which netted them more than 500 possessions against North Melbourne last Sunday.

"We told the boys to try and be a bit more reckless, a bit more attacking, a bit riskier with their ball movement and throw it around a bit," he said.

"They certainly did that and it was good to see a few patches of play that we've had over the last couple of years because it has been missing a bit."

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