Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is wary of what Geelong's best football can present ahead of Thursday night's compelling contest at the Adelaide Oval.
The Power, currently riding a club-best 10-game winning streak, occupy second position on the ladder, whereas Geelong sit ninth and a game outside the top eight.
The Cats are coming off the bye after a resolute win over the Western Bulldogs, ending a three-game slide.
Since 2018, the teams have split six meetings at the Adelaide Oval, including last season's enthralling encounter where the Power lost by two goals, with Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins playing a starring role in the final term.
Geelong are expected to regain captain Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan (hamstring injuries), and speedy winger Max Holmes (knee) for this week's contest.
"We are coming up against the reigning champs who have their best team back together," Hinkley said to reporters.
"It's going to be a real challenge.
"I always expect Geelong at their best. It is a great footy club. What they did last year was amazing. I'm under no illusion as to what is coming.
"They are at the stage of their season where they are starting to get some momentum. They are to bring in three high-quality players - at least three - fresh; it is going to be a challenge.
"It looks like they will have their best seven or eight forwards available for the first time this year."
Whilst the team is on a hot-streak, several players have been in ripping form, including former West Coastย premiership ruckman Scott Lycett, who has returned to his best since coming back into the team in Round 10 after a stint in the SANFL.
"I am really happy and proud for him," Hinkley said.
"He has had his challenges this year. He has had to get himself a bit sharper and he is competitive... you know he is going to hang in there. That is what he has brought to work in the past month. We need him to do it for a fair bit longer.
"Scott just needed a bit of form. When we made the decision to leave him out of the team it was to purely let him enjoy having a game of footy again. At this AFL level these guys are under enormous pressure every week wanting to play well every week.
"When it gets to a point that it is a run of poor form, sometimes it is best to break the pressure (with a stint in the SANFL)."
Meanwhile, Hinkley has hinted mid-season draftee Quinton Narkle was close to debuting against his former team.
The 24-year-old played 41 games in five seasons at the Cattery before being delisted after the side's premiership.
"He was really close, particularly because it is his old team at Geelong," Hinkley said.
"You can understand why we would consider that. He is desperate for his second chance. But he has a lot to learn about the way we play.
"But if he plays like he did last week, he will be hard to keep out."
Hinkley has confirmed only one change will be made at selection, with the reliable Ryan Burton coming into the 22 for the battering ram Lachie Jones (jaw), while skipper Tom Jonas has been left out for a third-straight game, with Josh Sinn to keep his place.
In injury news, the exciting Xavier Duursma is in contention to return after the club's bye, having not played since injuring his PCL in the Round 7 win over St Kilda.
Former Bomber Orazio Fantasia continues to work his way into form, with Hinkley stating "he still has an incredible amount of AFL in him."
Port Adelaide and Geelong begin Round 14 tomorrow evening at 7:10pm local time.
