The Lions can still shape the eight, despite not featuring in this year's finals series.

Geelong sit just outside the contenders at 10th with six matches to go.

"They're battling away for a top eight spot at the moment so it's a good opportunity for us to go away together and take on the challenge of the Cats", assistant coach Danny Daly said in this work's Vero Coaches Preview.

Match Preview: Lions V Cats

"We're looking forward to getting over to Melbourne and down to Geelong and having a real crack at them."

The Lions have regained Dayne Beams and Pearce Hanley along with young, Jono Freeman, who'll play his first senior game for 2015 after suffering injury setbacks.

Daly is confident with the inclusion of Beams and Hanley, the midfield could be dangerous.

"They've got some really good players across all lines.

"Through the midfield they've got Joel Selwood, who's a terrific player. We'll need to obviously watch his clearance work and his run and carry, along with young (Mitch) Duncan) who's come back into the side.

"Mark Blicavs has had a good year in the ruck, and also through the midfield.

"We feel like we can match them in that area."

Daly said the Lions would be wary of West Australian defender, Harry Taylor.

"Taylor across their backline likes to play loose in defence, we've got to make sure we don't allow that to happen during the game and for him to take intercept marks.

"Obviously Tommy Hawkins down forward has had a terrific season. He kicked five goals in the weekend.

"That's a big role for Rodger (Daniel) Merrett."