Red-hot Port Adelaide are bracing for Geelong's premiership best when they clash with the Cats in a blockbuster opening to round 14.
The Power are on a club record 10-game winning streak to be firmly in contention to win their first flag since 2004.
Port will, temporarily at least, replace Collingwood on top of the ladder should they win a 11th-straight match.
But Geelong, who welcome back captain Patrick Dangerfield, dual premiership veteran Mitch Duncan and speedy youngster Max Holmes, will present a stern challenge at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
"We are coming up against the reigning champs who have their best team back together. It is going to be a real challenge," Port coach Ken Hinkley said.
"I always expect Geelong at their best, they're a great footy club. What they did last year was amazing.
"They are at the stage of their season where they are starting to get some momentum.
"They are to bring in three high-quality players - at least three - fresh; it is going to be a challenge.
"It looks like they will have their best seven or eight forwards available for the first time this year."
Port's mid-season recruit Quinton Narkle is closing in on a debut for the club after starring with 33 possessions in the SANFL.
The 25-year-old has been named as an emergency and could realistically be picked as the sub.
Hinkley stressed the former Geelong midfielder was close to selection but said Narkle was still adapting to Port's style of play.
Narkle played 41 games for the Cats from 2018 before he was delisted at the end of last season.
Geelong threw up a surprise at selection, resting Irish veteran Zac Tuohy but picking him as an emergency.
Tuohy starred in the Cats' last-start win against the Western Bulldogs and will miss his fellow Irishman Mark O'Connor's 100th game.
Premiership ruckman Rhys Stanley has also been listed as an emergency after missing eight weeks due to a fractured eye socket.
