Cats forward Rohan high on confidence for Swans clash

But Rohan stepped up after Cameron's early exit against Melbourne and has taken a huge confidence boost from his match-winning performance.

"It was absolutely massive for him," Cats teammate Jake Kolodjashnij told AAP.

"He was really good the previous week against Port Adelaide as well, so credit to him.

"Ever since he's come back from that hamstring injury (in round 12) he's really been pivotal and important for us.

"We love what he does; fighting for marks and his pressure around the contest is elite. He's a great teammate to have."

Cameron also sustained a shoulder injury in the collision with Rohan, with the Cats hopeful he will return for next week's clash with North Melbourne.

Rohan was visibly shaken after the incident but refocused to showcase his talents, booting three goals to steer Geelong to victory.

It squared the reigning premiers' ledger at 7-7 and put them on the brink of the top eight leading into the Sydney clash.

"It was a pretty shocking incident but he stood up," Kolodjashnij said.

"He was unbelievable, probably the game-changer in the end.

"We love the way he went about it. His speed once the ball hit the deck to push forward and really punish them was the real highlight."

Rohan will partner with evergreen veteran Tom Hawkins in Geelong's attack, while remodelled defender Esava Ratugolea returns from a hamstring injury at the other end.

Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield is also back after suffering a partially collapsed lung and cracked rib in round 14.

Beaten by Geelong in last year's grand final, Sydney (6-8) are hanging in the finals conversation despite being smashed by injuries this season.

But they copped a huge blow when gun midfielder Chad Warner was ruled out with a "slight tear" in a calf muscle, replaced by Will Hayward, who is back from illness.

Warner sustained the injury during the warm-up before training on Thursday.

"It's not something we expected, so unfortunately he will be missing," Swans coach John Longmire said.

Sydney are coming off a record-breaking 171-point hiding of West Coast and have set their sights on an upset, having lost to the Cats by 93 points in round six.

"We're looking ahead of us this week," Longmire said.

"We know what Geelong can do. We know they're a really good team, but we're also confident in what we can do.

"It's a new opportunity and game this week. We need to put our best foot forward."

Veteran forward Lance Franklin kicked his 1000th AFL goal the last time the teams met in Sydney but is out of action, missing a third consecutive match with a knee issue.

"We want him back ready and firing to go and feeling as good as he possibly can," Longmire said.

"(We know) at 36 he's not like he was five or six years ago, understanding we want to give him the best possible chance to play well."