Geelong coach Chris Scott insists the Cats did the right thing challenging Joel Selwood's long suspension at the AFL Tribunal, even though it cost the star another week on the sidelines.

Reigning club champion Selwood was offered a three-match suspension for striking Hawthorn's Brent Guerra behind play.

Although the unsuccessful challenge extended the lay-off to four weeks, Scott said the Cats were honour-bound to stick up for their man, who was furious his character was under attack.

"We felt as a club that the penalty handed down to Joel initially reflected a player punching an opposition player intentionally behind the play," Scott said after the Cats continued their unbeaten season on Saturday night with a 28-point win over St Kilda.

"Joel swears to us that that didn't happen and we believe him.

"If people understand that that is not what happened, then we'll take the extra week.

"It's important (as) Joel probably is going to be captain of this club. He is a young man of the highest integrity.

"We were obviously very disappointed with the decision, but we feel in some way vindicated that we've gone some way to restoring his character."

Scott said Selwood maintained he made contact with Guerra with an open hand.

Guerra suffered a perforated eardrum and didn't play in Launceston on Saturday against Gold Coast.

"When he tells us categorically, what he's accused of didn't happen, we have an obligation to defend him," Scott added.

Cats' half-back Andrew Mackie said Selwood took the suspension hard.

"You could see in his face all last week, he was shattered," Mackie said on Sunday.

"He's not the type of bloke to go and whack someone.

"To his credit, he has moved on. He was there last night supporting us and writing down notes about how he can improve, such is the character of the bloke."

Mackie said the Cats had taken another step forward against the Saints, despite Jimmy Bartel leaving the field in the first quarter with concussion and James Kelly (ankle) and Darren Milburn (Achilles) carrying injuries.

Daniel Menzel kicked four goals and fellow teenager Mitch Duncan came on as a substitute for Bartel and picked up 16 possessions including a goal.

"Our game plan just needs 22 blokes, 18 on the field at a time, just doing their bit," Mackie told the Seven Network's AFL Game Day program.

"No matter who that is, given that this stuff can happen in a grand final so you've got to be able to resurrect that.

"Selwood was out, Bartel was out, and we were able to get the job done."

The Cats host Adelaide on Saturday at Skilled Stadium.

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