Geelong has put four emergencies on standby for its Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Dropped ruckman Zac Smith played in the Cats' opening round VFL win over Werribee before he was replaced by Jackson Thurlow on the emergencies list for the clash with the Hawks. 

Thurlow was taken out of the game after half-time for management as fellow emergencies Nakia Cockatoo, Jordan Murdoch and Mark O'Connor watched on.

Cats coach Chris Scott confirmed Patrick Dangerfield a certain starter after a hamstring injury, whileJoel Selwood will play after a leg injury in their round one win over Melbourne.

Cam Guthrie's groin flared in the season opener while defender Tom Stewart's ankle was monitored, Sam Menegola playing against the Demons after missing the second JLT match with calf soreness.

Meanwhile in Torquay, Geelong's experienced players stood up late as a goal from VFL-listed Luke Kiel snatched the four-point victory in the dying stages, the Cats boasting 15 AFL-listed players.

Midfielder Scott Selwood played the bulk of game time in his second match after ankle surgery, covered head-to-toe in mud, needing a jumper change after physical attention.

Forward Stewart Crameri enjoyed his third consecutive VFL hit-out and worked into the game after quarter-time, finishing with two majors as he increases his running capacity.

After rucking last week, Wylie Buzza spent the majority of the match in attack, kicking two goals including the penultimate major after a strong contested mark brought the Cats back from the brink.

Jordan Cunico was again busy, involved in everything through the midfield as he continued to knock on the door for senior selection with a team-high 32 disposals.

After Scott described draftee Charlie Constable as "excruciatingly close" for round one AFL selection, he didn’t disappoint with 31 possessions in a commanding display.

Swingman Timm House twice went to the bench with a right ankle complaint but finished the match on the ground, spending time at both ends.

Small forward Gryan Miers continued his development in his debut season, joining Aaron Black in kicking two goals each.