Geelong will have a near full-strength list to choose from heading into its Round 1 clash with St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

Midfielder Cameron Guthrie is continuing to work his way back from a quad injury sustained in Geelong’s match simulation against Carlton last month, while Gary Rohan is managing a back complaint.

Geelong Cats Assistant General Manager – Football Brett Johnson said the pair were tracking well in their respective rehabilitation programs.

“As everyone knows, Cam injured his quad tendon against Carlton in the practice match. We feel that’s an eight-week injury. But Cam, as you would imagine, he’s progressing really well with his rehab, his attention to detail and professionalism is first class, so we’re looking forward to Cam coming back in when he’s ready to have an impact,” Johnson said.

“Gary is tracking okay. He has been hampered by a back issue over the course of the pre-season. He’s got some neural irritation which is starting to settle, but as that settles we’ll need to gradually build up his loads again.

“We anticipate that taking four-to-six weeks, and that is to give Gary the best chance of performing well when he’s ready to come back in to join the team.”

Johnson said anticipation was continuing to build around the Club ahead of the big opening game on Saturday.

“It’s a really big moment for the Club with the Joel Selwood Stand opening up. We’re looking forward to Cats fans turning up in droves and encourage everyone to really come along and get behind the team,” Johnson said.

“On field, we feel like we’ve had a really good preparation over the course of the pre-season. We head into Round 1 with good availability.

“There’s always a bit of a sense of unknown and anticipation into Round 1, and we enjoy that, we embrace that. Hopefully see as many Cats fans as we can here on Saturday night.”

First bounce is 7.30pm at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

Get your tickets to the Cats' Round 1 blockbuster next Saturday night here or sign up to become a member today.