GEELONG remains "optimistic" Max Holmes will be available for next week's premiership decider after he was substituted out of the Cats' preliminary win.

Holmes was distraught on the interchange bench and slapped the turf after receiving treatment when he pulled up short after kicking. He was subbed out of the 71-point drubbing of Brisbane in the third quarter and replaced by Mark O'Connor.

But the Cats have not ruled Holmes out of playing in next week's Toyota AFL Grand Final, with the important 20-year-old buoyant post-game as well.

"They're optimistic about it. It's not an injury that's going to absolutely rule him out. They haven't given me the detail yet except that they're optimistic he'll play. It didn't look like that to me, so that made a good night better," coach Chris Scott said post-game.

15:02

Scott Post-Game | Prelim Final

Watch Geelong's full post-match press conference with senior coach Chris Scott following the Cats' huge preliminary final win against Brisbane on Friday night. Presented by Morris.

Scott went to see Holmes in the change rooms during the third term and to assess the plan for the final quarter as he managed some of his most experienced players as they cruised to victory over the Lions.

"I went down there thinking the worst [about Holmes] and I bounced out of the rooms as well at three-quarter time. It's not a sure thing, but my understanding is, when the [medical] guys I'm talking about and the quality of our medical staff, when they say they're optimistic then it gets me up on my toes," Scott said. 

The Cats could look at Brandan Parfitt or Sam Menegola to come into their mix if Holmes doesn't get up, while O'Connor was the 23rd man for the win over the Lions. 

Superstar Patrick Dangerfield was best afield for the Cats on Friday night, kicking two first-quarter goals and finishing with 28 disposals and eight clearances as he made his second Grand Final with the Cats. 

02:34

Dominant Dangerfield rises to the moment

Patrick Dangerfield puts together a vintage performance to lead the Cats to another Grand final.

Scott said the Cats' medical staff's management program for Dangerfield in an interrupted year has meant the 302-gamer hits next week's clash in top condition. 

"He's in really good shape. Compared to where he's been previously, it's chalk and cheese. He's a bit older but he goes into the biggest game of the year in the best shape he's been in for years," Scott said.

The Cats will take on the winner of Saturday's preliminary final at the SCG between Sydney and Collingwood.