Geelong star Jeremy Cameron has been cleared to feature in the Cats' crucial game against Gold Coast while defender Tom Stewart could make a surprise early return from injury.
The reigning premiers are 0-2 after losses to Collingwood and Carlton and travel to Metricon Stadium to face the Suns on Sunday.
Cameron didn't train earlier in the week after suffering a heavy knock against the Blues, but coach Chris Scott has no concerns while Stewart is rapidly progressing in his return from a right knee injury suffered in round two.
"Jeremy Cameron will be fine, so that's certain," Scott said.
Scott stressed the Cats typically erred on the side of caution but Stewart was giving them the opportunity to consider him and, if he didn't face the Suns, he was effectively locked in to play Hawthorn the following week.
"He's made really, really strong progress, he's banging down our door," Scott said.
"Every situation is slightly different, but I think you should be referencing more what we've done with (Jake) Kolodjashnij and Mitch Duncan there in that, yeah, they might be ready, but generally we're inclined to hold them back.
"There are exceptions to that rule, (Tom) Hawkins is one. It's really exciting for us that that injury that looked like it could be multiple weeks, even a month, is not going to be that.
"If it's not this week it looks like it will be next week which is great news for everyone."
Scott admitted Stewart had been surprised by his rapid recovery.
"You don't really know how it's going to go until he progresses to the running stage and that's progressed really, really quickly to the point where he thinks he can play so that's a really good sign," he said.
Kolodjashnij (concussion) has been cleared to play but Mitch Duncan (calf) will be held back and Rhys Stanley (ribs) is no certainty to play.
