Coach Mark Thompson said the emotion of Sunday's nailbiting after-the-siren win against Carlton would be carried through into the match.

``They were terrific emotions after Peter Riccardi kicked the goal after the siren. They're all good emotions, positive emotions and we should go up to Sydney in a good frame of mind knowing we've won the last two games,'' he said.

``I think subconsciously it affects the players and is good for the players to go through that experience.''

Thompson said Geelong's recent record against Sydney was good, winning last year's match at the SCG by 19 points.

``We know how they play which is a big bonus and over the past couple of years we have planned pretty well and played pretty well against them,'' he said. ``We match up okay but our tactics, the way we play against Sydney, have usually been pretty effective and we'll go down the same path.''

Sydney's efforts to rescue its flagging finals hopes could be boosted by the return of some high-profile players, but skipper Paul Kelly won't be among them.

Coach Rodney Eade said the inspirational captain would not line up against Geelong as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Coming under consideration after injury will be midfielders Jude Bolton (calf), and Michael O'Loughlin (calf) and defender Ben Mathews (thigh).

``Probably O'Loughlin, Mathews and Bolton are heavily favoured to play and of course (Tony) Lockett will play,'' Eade said.

Strong performances in the Swans' 13-point loss to West Coast by Paul Williams, Daryn Cresswell, Ben Fixter and Tadhg Kennelly, along with the continuing good form of Barry Hall and Matthew Nicks, could make it tough for players to break into the side.

``Obviously that gives us more flexibility . . . last week we only had 24 players to pick from,'' Eade said.

``Obviously we'd like Kel to play. His performances this year have been terrific and we've certainly missed his match-winning ability.''