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Sport
Shayne Hope

Cameron, Cats stars fit for AFL final

Jeremy Cameron is on track to return from injury and face Collingwood in the qualifying final. (Jason O'BRIEN/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Jeremy Cameron headlines a list of returning stars set to give Geelong coach Chris Scott a selection headache for the AFL qualifying final against Collingwood.

The minor premiers were given a scare when Cameron suffered a low-grade hamstring injury a fortnight ago, after a trio of similar setbacks on the same leg hampered the key forward last year.

But Cameron, who has kicked 59.32 in 21 games this season, has already proved he has overcome the latest issue through strong training form.

"That would've given you a pretty good indication as to how good he is," Scott told reporters on Friday, eight days out from the qualifying final.

"Without overplaying it, I suspect he would be available if we were playing tomorrow."

Rhys Stanley (adductor), Mitch Duncan (hip) and Sam Menegola (managed) will also return against Collingwood after missing the round 23 trouncing of West Coast.

Cam Guthrie (shoulder) was hurt in the Eagles clash but has since been passed fit.

"It's all good news there," Scott said.

"Cameron will play, Stanley will play, Mitch Duncan will play and Cam Guthrie had a little bit of a shoulder, but he's fine.

"I understand why the cliche has validity that it's a good problem to have but it (selection) is still one of if not the hardest parts about coaching.

"It is a good position and speaks to the strength of our squad and the performances through the year but it is going to be a challenge."

Geelong are preparing for their first MCG final in three years, with the famous ground having been out of action during the 2020 and 2021 finals series.

In that time the Cats have played seven interstate finals in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, including the historic Gabba grand final.

A huge crowd is guaranteed next Saturday.

"I'm led to believe that it's a record number of Geelong supporters that are coming to a final and they're embracing the position that we're in," Scott said.

"We're really keen for them to be rewarded for the way they've supported us over the last two or three years.

"The occasion, no matter what, is always really big coming into finals and the last couple of years were still a buzz, but nothing quite compares to a full MCG."

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