WHILE the usual stars shone brightly for Geelong in its NAB Cup opener, it was the performance of several fringe players that caught coach Mark Thompson’s eye.

Ryan Gamble, Kane Tenace and Simon Hogan were all sitting in the stands for last year's grand final against Hawthorn, but Thompson said the three could be in line for regular senior football after impressing in Saturday night's 35-point win over Adelaide.

Gamble marked strongly and kicked four goals in the victory and Thompson said he could hold an important role in attack if he stays fit.

"We like him. We’ve always tried to give him opportunities and we’ll do the same this year," Thompson said after the game.

"In the past his body’s broken down and he hasn’t been able to handle the continuity of playing but he’s a very exciting talent.

"He’s a good mark and quite exciting. He’s a pretty tough kid."

Thompson praised midfielder Hogan (19 possessions) for his clean work in tight situations and was impressed by Tenace's efforts from the back half.

"He’s one of the guys that hasn’t been able to get a game in our best 22 over the last couple of years," he said of Tenace, who had 23 touches.

"He has got ability and we’re going to try to give him opportunities and find ways to get him a game. He’s got a big part to play by playing the sort of footy he played tonight."

While there were a few fresh faces in the comfortable win, the side will be boosted by some handy additions when it meets the Sydney Swans or Port Adelaide next week.

Cameron Mooney, Darren Milburn and Steve Johnson are set for recalls, but Tom Hawkins, Brad Ottens and David Wojcinski will miss once again.

With his side displaying some of the ruthlessness that generated last year's 15-game winning streak – and just one loss in the home-and-away rounds, Thompson said there was no lingering bitterness about the grand final.

"We try to not look too far backwards all the time and not look too far ahead," he said. "I think it has been a really pleasing thing about the club and the way we’ve handled last year’s disappointment.

"That’s all we can do, we haven’t really spoken about it all that much. We don’t bring it up in conversation.

"It’s just about what’s going to happen in the games this year; what teams are going to throw at us, how can we get an advantage and how can we make the footy club a better footy club."