The Cats have a number of players in mind for Nathan Vardy’s position in the forward line, however, it just depends on which player wants it the most.

Along with running candidates Mitch Brown and Josh Walker, the Cats are also considering their more senior and versatile players for the job. Such as Harry Taylor, Hamish McIntosh and Jimmy Bartel, as they all have the skill set and experience to carry the role.

Senior coach Chris Scott says the Cats won’t muck around they’ll just put the best player forward.

“We’re really open-minded. It’s a pretty cut-throat game and we’ll play the one who plays the best,” Scott told News Limited.

The loss of Vardy was not a scenario the Cats were hoping for, however, Geelong's General Manager of Football Neil Balme, says the club’s structure never relies on the fitness of just one particular player.

“We were obviously hoping Nathan Vardy would have an impact for us - but as is always the case in football you don’t rely on an individual,” Balme said.

With the pre-season coming to an end, Balme is confident the Cats have a sound selection of players, both young and old, to call upon.

“Mitch Brown has had a really good pre-season, as has Joel Hamling (195cm). We have played Mitch in defence a bit but he is probably a more natural forward,” Balme said.

“Josh Walker is another who will get a chance and Hamish McIntosh can play forward. And then there is Harry Taylor, who we often talk about playing up forward.

“In the end it’s hard to move such a good defensive player but he has shown he can play the role.”