Geelong utility Andrew Mackie believes it's time for the club to get ruthless in its pursuit of success.

The skilful tall said the Cats' playing group had developed a hard edge over the summer and was desperate to prove to itself - and to its fans - that it was the real deal.

"We are a bit more mature than we were one year ago,'' Mackie said.

"Everyone is a bit wiser as to where we all need to go to become a successful and really ruthless sort of club.

"We've worked really hard and everyone is just looking forward to getting into the season and proving to ourselves and to everyone what we can do because we know we can be a good team.''

Mackie said he expected the Cats to field a strong team for their final pre-season hitout against Melbourne at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

Key forward Brad Ottens, who has been rested with general soreness for the past two matches, will return and last season's best and fairest winner Paul Chapman will also play his first senior match after a run in the VFL last Sunday.

Speedy midfielder Kane Tenace is also available after suffering a minor injury in an intraclub match.

The Cats chose not to risk the trio during last Saturday night's NAB Cup semi-final loss to Brisbane at Telstra Dome.

Forward Charlie Gardiner said pressure for spots in the team were now at a premium.

"We've got a couple of guys coming back this week, which is going to make it even harder,'' Gardiner said. "Otto and Chappy are both quality players and are definitely in our best 22.''

Gardiner, who wants to establish a role across half-forward, booted two goals and was a solid contributor in last week's NAB Cup loss.

He said although it was disappointing to lose, it was certainly not "all doom and gloom'' at Skilled Stadium.

"We've now got Melbourne, who are a quality side, and there will be premiership season rules so we are looking forward to it,'' Gardiner said.

Mackie said the players had been put through a harder week on the track after dropping out of the lucrative pre-season competition.

"Obviously it would have been great to play in another Grand Final and win another premiership, but having said that, there are a lot of positives to come out of it,'' he said.

Mackie has been used with success in different roles this pre-season, including across half-back where he has linked up well with running defender David Wojcinski.

The 192cm forward has also had stints on the ball and is in line to become a regular member of the Cats' midfield rotation.

"I've enjoyed playing a different role and being able to run around in the open spaces. It is good to have a few strings to my bow, I suppose,'' he said.

"We play better when we play on and take risks off half-back and run it quickly through the midfield and give Otto and the boys the best chance up forward.''