Geelong coach Mark Thompson has warned the club's AFL premiership rivals that the Cats are in better shape now than in the lead-up to winning last year's flag.

Despite numerous injuries and suspensions to key players so far this season, Thompson said the club had maintained a high playing standard and were getting their first-choice team together at the right time.

"We're probably playing better football at this time and I think we've had more of a consistent year," Thompson said on Thursday.

"I think our list is in better shape - we only have three or four players on the injury list and some of those are really young players who wouldn't be in our best 22, so we'd be in better shape really."

The Cats tackle Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night and while the Crows have not beaten them for four years, Geelong escaped with just a two-point win last time they clashed, in round 18 last year.

They will be bolstered by the return of star forward Cameron Mooney and midfielder Joel Corey.

Mooney has served a two-game striking suspension, while midfielder Corey returns after knee problems.

Thompson said Mooney had been given "a little reminder" about avoiding the sort of undisciplined play which led to his ban.

"It's great to have him back and we hope he keeps his knuckles to himself and plays a nice, clean game and kicks a few goals and helps us win," Thompson said.

"The landscape has changed even again from two or three years ago.

"You just have to really remain clean and that's what we expect from all our players from this point going forward."

Fellow tall forward Tom Hawkins will return via the VFL after four matches out with a foot injury.

"The reason is not because he's not good enough to get a game, it's just that at that level he can just go at his own pace," Thompson said.

"We can play him for the right amount of time, and he can just get his confidence."

He said Adelaide had improved dramatically from early in the season and posed a genuine danger, which was good for the Cats.

"They're doing everything better, they're certainly running better, they're playing with more confidence, they're moving the ball quicker and they're still defending quite well which they've always been able to do."

Meanwhile, Cats chief executive Brian Cook said the club had a succession plan in place should Thompson follow through on his previously expressed intention to leave at the end of next year.

Thompson said last year he expected 2011 to be his final year in the job and last week touted Cats assistant Brenton Sanderson as a potential successor.

But with Sanderson also a contender for the vacant Port Adelaide head coaching job, Cook said the Cats had several options in place, although their aim was to persuade Thompson to stay on.

"We have a succession plan in all areas of the club," Cook told SEN radio.

"There's no guarantee for anyone, but we have options, and best options and all those things, and people know that."

"I would hope that Mark Thompson stays for a longer period of time and that Brenton Sanderson decides to stay and help out as well.

"Unfortunately, those dreams don't always work and don't always happen.

"And if that is the case and people do leave, and their heart and soul is somewhere else and they're getting a promotion somewhere else, then we've just got to develop someone else."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP