GEELONG is off to the Gabba on Thursday night for a date with last year's preliminary finalists, the Brisbane Lions.

The match shapes as a real eight-pointer, with both sides in contention for a top four berth.

The Cats will be forced to make at least one change with Mitch Duncan sidelined for an extended period with an MCL injury.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash, geelongcats.com.au takes a look at the players 'In The Mix' for selection, presented by Vital Strength.

Lachie Henderson

Henderson has been in arguably career-best form as a key defender this season and if he can pass a fitness test later this week he is almost certain to return to the side about being a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs with a hip complaint.

Shaun Higgins

Was initially set to be managed but made a late return as the medical substitute and was forced into action quite early when Duncan left the field with a knee injury.

Finished the game with 16 disposals and could be a like-for-like swap to replace Duncan for the Cats.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 18: Shaun Higgins of the Cats in action during the 2021 AFL Round 14 match between the Geelong Cats and the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on June 18, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Zach Guthrie

Was a carry-over emergency last round. Has played eight AFL games season and could be considered to come in and bolster the backline if Henderson needs to sit out another week.

Gryan Miers

Made a successful return via Geelong's VFL team on the weekend after spending the best part of a month on the sidelines with a fractured fibula.

Kicked a clever goal in the third term and finished with 10 disposals.

VFL Rd10: Gryan Miers in action against Footscray. Credit Arj Giese.

Rhys Stanley

Was named Geelong's best in their Round 10 VFL loss to Footscray with 24 disposals, 10 clearances and nine score involvements. 

Charlie Constable

Continues to post strong numbers at VFL level with a game-high 31 disposals, seven tackles and five clearances.

Jordan Clark

Clark impressed playing a greater midfield role with 25 disposals (88% efficiency) and three goals to be named in Geelong's best. Set to be in the selection mix to replace Duncan this week.

VFL Rd10: Darcy Fort in action against Footscray. Credit Arj Giese.

Darcy Fort

Fort was named in the 'Bankers' best for the sixth time in as many matches after another consistent performance with 17 disposals and nine score involvements. Could of kicked a bag but was inaccurate in front of goal finishing with 1.4 for the match.

Best of the Rest

Other Cats who impressed but appear outside chances of getting an AFL opportunity this week are Nick Stevens (19 disposals, four score involvements) and Oscar Brownless (18 disposals, eight marks).

Geelong's Round 15 clash against Brisbane at the Gabba will commence at 7.20pm on Thursday night.