GEELONG will sit out a host of its premiership stars, including Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, for its final-round clash with the Western Bulldogs.

After being eliminated from the finals race with a defeat to St Kilda on Saturday night, the Cats are already eyeing 2024.

Flag-winning forwards Hawkins, Cameron and Gary Rohan are dealing with various injuries and won't be risked during Norm Smith medallist Isaac Smith's retirement game.

Mark Blicavs and Cam Guthrie are already on the sidelines and will focus on getting themselves ready next year rather than rushing to get back.

Small forward Brad Close (ankle) and defender Esava Ratugolea (hamstring) were already ruled out by coach Chris Scott after pulling up sore against the Saints.

"We've needed to be proactive in regard to some of the decisions we've needed to make, and Mark Blicavs had surgery on his shoulder (on Monday)," Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd said.

"Gary Rohan will have surgery on his ankle on Wednesday, and Jeremy Cameron will have surgery on his troublesome AC joint.

"It's been incredible he's (Cameron) been able to keep going and performing at a certain level, and it's now time to be proactive with that surgery on his AC joint, which will be on Thursday."

The Bulldogs will be able to bring back star midfielder Tom Liberatore after he missed the shock defeat to West Coast through concussion.

However, three-time All-Australian Jack Macrae will miss his first match in 119 outings after suffering delayed concussion symptoms following the game against the Eagles.

The prolific Macrae has been well down on form and was tactically subbed out in the final term against West Coast.