Geelong are set to welcome back skipper Tom Harley and vice-captain Cameron Ling for Saturday's AFL clash with Sydney at Skilled Stadium.

The return of the two leaders will help offset the absence of Brownlow Medal favourite Gary Ablett, who will miss at least two games with a groin injury.

Harley has not played in 2009 after undergoing knee surgery in the off-season, while Ling has missed the Cats' last two games with an Achilles tendon strain.

Coach Mark Thompson expects Harley to play about 70 per cent of the clash with the Swans.

"The one thing about Tommy is that he wouldn't play the game, or he wouldn't ask us to play, if he wasn't ready to play," said Thompson.

"He's done a heap of running and training so his level of fitness will be up there."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP