Geelong and Sydney should be bolstered by the return of key players for Saturday night's big AFL game at ANZ Stadium.

The Swans, who are trying to hold on to fourth spot, are hopeful fullback Leo Barry can return from a hamstring strain and halfback Nick Malceski can return to the senior side after overcoming a calf strain.

Midfielder Amon Buchanan has also served a four-game suspension for rough conduct and will be available to play the ladder-leading Cats.

But full-forward Michael O'Loughlin is again likely to miss because of his ankle problem, which means Adam Goodes - who booted eight goals in Saturday night's win over Fremantle - could again find himself predominantly forward.

Although in imperious form, Geelong will also be boosted through the returns of half-forward Paul Chapman and defender Darren Milburn, two of the stars of last year's premiership.

Chapman has overcome a hamstring strain and Milburn has served a one-game suspension, for last week's dangerous tackle on Richmond's Shane Edwards.

The Cats are also confident ruckman Mark Blake will be fine to play the Swans despite him hyper-extending an elbow in the big win over Melbourne on Friday night.

While it was good news for the Cats and Swans, the Brisbane Lions' faltering finals ambitions were dealt a blow in Launceston on Saturday, when defender Josh Drummond strained a quad muscle in the loss to Hawthorn.

Drummond will not play again this season.

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