GEELONG'S midfield depth will receive a further boost this week with Scott Selwood expected to play his first game of the season in the VFL on Saturday.

Selwood had a strong pre-season before problems emerged with his toe just before the first JLT Community Series game, but he is ready to play against Port Melbourne at Simonds Stadium.

He suspects a stress reaction occurred after he altered his running action following reconstructive ankle surgery in October 2015.

The 27-year-old, who joined Geelong in 2016 after 135 games and a best and fairest at West Coast, has played just five AFL games with the Cats.

He looks well suited to play as a defensive midfielder and has impressed off the field during his time at the club, being elevated to the Cats' leadership group in 2017.

The Cats lost two midfielders to suspension for Sunday's game against St Kilda, with Sam Menegola and James Parsons out for one and two weeks respectively, however they won't be tempted to rush Selwood back.

The Cats will include high half-forward Lincoln McCarthy after managing him from the Easter Monday game, while George Horlin-Smith looks a logical replacement for Menegola.

Geelong remains unbeaten on top of the ladder, but has not beaten its round five opponent, St Kilda, since round 13, 2014.