Swan managed a relatively paltry 16 possessions in the win over Sydney last weekend and spent time stationed deep in the forward line as the Magpies continued to toy with an evolving midfield mix. Buckley said the 30-year-old was free of any leg issues and regaining his trademark running strength after an interrupted pre-season.

"You'll see a sharp spike in what Swanny produces this week, and we're looking forward to seeing that," Buckley said on Tuesday. "He's a proud footballer. He's one of the most consistent players to play the game in the last five or six years.

"He's had an interrupted pre-season coming off his wrist [surgery]. He's been able to get a lot of aerobic work in, that burst from the packs that we've come to know of him so much, that's on its way back.

"And he's got three or four games under his belt now. He's well and truly due to find that connection with that strong running that we like to see."

Buckley said the focus on where Swan plays was more relevant to the overall output than his workrate and ability to get to as many contests as possible. He said Swan had enjoyed "five or six really solid weeks on the track", and was ready to reap the benefits.

"When you've been and you are a champion player in the game, there's a lot of scrutiny that follows it. Swanny's got great pride in his performance; he's got great care and respect for his teammates and his opportunity to play the game.

"Don't be fooled by his facade - there's a real competitor there and we'll see it [on Saturday night]."

Buckley confirmed Lachie Keeffe as a likely addition against the Cats to a backline the coach described as "cobbed together" after the 20-point win over the Swans at Homebush, and which must contend this week with the loss of Nathan Brown (collarbone) and Ben Sinclair (hamstring).

"We like having a couple of key tall defenders to set our backline up around. We have gone one-five in the past, but the likelihood is that we'll take in an extra tall for support down there.

"Cleary they've got the three big fellas - the two ruckmen and [Mark] Blicavs, who's been playing in all positions - as well as [Tom] Hawkins. What they do with their other tall in the forward line is a question we need to ask ourselves."

Buckley said Luke Ball, like Swan, was adjusting to playing different roles rather than exclusively in a midfield in which young players like Jamie Elliott and Taylor Adams were demanding a chance to prove themselves, and Brent Macaffer was thriving in a run-with role.

"The thing that stands out at the moment is he just hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities when he's got the ball in his hands - he's missed shots at goal and he's given some turnovers away at times.

"He's in as good a nick body-wise as he's been for a couple of years; he's had a really strong pre-season. We know his qualities - if it's tight and tough at any stage, he's the type of player you want around the ball."

Buckley praised the way Geelong  had gone about its football in a playing, management and leadership sense, and said the Magpies were under no illusions about the challenge they face on Saturday night. "You've got to admire their competitiveness over a long period of time. We'll be ready for their best."