Geelong's list could be bolstered by the return of three youngsters this week, as Jack Henry, Max Holmes and Esava Ratugolea move closer to a return to the field after overcoming injuries.
The trio will need to tick off some final checks during the week before the club decide to confirm their returns, either through the VFL or AFL program.
The Cats will be eager for Henry to come back into the AFL side, with the gun defender failing to feature for the side since being subbed out of their Easter Monday clash against the Hawks in round five due to a foot injury.
Head of Medical and Conditioning Services and ex-Cat star Harry Taylor told geelongcats.com.au that the 23-year-old will be a test this week, as the club weigh up bringing him back into the side.
"Jack Henry is expected to be a test later this week, with a decision of whether he returns this week to be made by coaches and medical and conditioning team," he said.
Both Holmes and Ratugolea are returning from ankle surgery after separate injuries suffered earlier in the season and will also be a test for selection this week, with a return to the VFL looking likely.
"Max Holmes and Esava Ratugolea have both progressed well through their reconditioning programs. Both will be a test later this week to determine their availability," Taylor said.
Geelong will be thankful for the timing of their bye as star defender Tom Stewart is available after serving the AFL's concussion protocols without missing a game for the club. While Jake Kolodjashnij will also be available after missing the clash against the Bulldogs due to Health and Safety protocols.
Veteran midfielder Shaun Higgins is set to play some form of football this week after a period of training reloading to get the 34-year-old primed for the Cats' run home.
"Shaun Higgins is available after a period of graduated training reloading. The medical and coaching teams will work through what his return to play looks like throughout the week," Taylor said.
Meanwhile, star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield will have to wait another week before returning to the AFL side with the 32-year-old set to continue building his workload for the end of the season.
"Patrick is progressing well in his reconditioning program," Taylor said.
"He will continue to complete high intensity sessions during the the remainder of the week and over the weekend with further decisions regarding his availability to be made next week."
Untried defensive youngster Nick Stevens is also set to return for the Cats' VFL side this week after missing the past month with a foot complaint.
Geelong will face the bottom-of-the-ladder Eagles on Saturday afternoon (4:35 pm AEST), with Chris Scott hoping his side can continue to put pressure on a top-four spot.