Geelong duo Rhys Stanley and Tom Stewart will return against Hawthorn for a game that will play huge role in determining the club's likely ladder position at season's end.

Stanley was a late withdrawal last week after suffering calf tightness while Stewart has made a rapid recovery from an ankle injury that occurred in round 19 against the Brisbane Lions.

Dynamic youngster Quinton Narkle is also likely to be selected after being managed for the match against Richmond while Jed Bews is in doubt after hurting his shoulder late in the game against Richmond.

The Cats sit just outside the eight but are only one win and three percentage points behind Hawthorn, who sit fifth on the ladder, one of five teams on 48 points.

Scott said the Cats were expecting another tight contest against Hawthorn with the two teams developing an extraordinary rivalry since the Hawks beat Geelong in the 2008 grand final.