Geelong's David Wojcinski has a message for those tipping a slide for the AFL's oldest list - reserve judgment at least until they play St Kilda on Friday night.

One of six Cats aged 30 or older, the speedy backman says Geelong will have a point to prove against a side they have met in September in the past three years.

"Absolutely, definitely. It's definitely a chance to prove ourselves and to practice things," Wojcinski told AAP.

"I hope we don't slide down at all this year. I still believe we're good enough to be right up there again at the end of the season and only time will tell.

"But there's no better chance than this week to go out there and play some really good footy."

The 30-year-old said reaching that age did not mean an automatic form decline.

"Judge us on how we play on the weekend, not on the age of our list, is all I say," Wojcinski said.

"If we're not playing well, then you can judge us on that.

"If we are playing well, judge us on that.

"Don't just go out there and judge us on the age."

The clash will also indicate how well the Saints have responded to another grand final defeat and turbulent off-season.

While there will be plenty of familiar faces in the Cats' line-up, there will be differences in the way they play in new coach Chris Scott's first home and away game in charge after Mark Thompson's 11-year reign.

There is at least one new face - 18-year-old defender Cameron Guthrie has been named for his AFL debut.

"It's probably given a few of the older boys a freshen up. It's good to have someone come in and have different ideas on the game," Wojcinski said of Scott.

Wojcinski expects the odd midfield stint, as the Cats plan for a reduced ability to rest midfielders, given the new interchange rules.

But his line-breaking bursts out of defence are set to be more crucial than ever, given the increased emphasis clubs are placing on forward zones to lock the ball in.

Wojcinski said it was ideal to get an early test of Scott's game-plan against class opposition.

"It's going to be the first chance we get to test out all these things properly."

The Cats will be without injured duo Paul Chapman and Cameron Ling.

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