Ottens has not played this year because of a foot tendon problem and Thompson's patience is clearly wearing thin.
“We had a big blue with the doctors and the fitness staff trying to convince them to play him half a game of AFL instead of an hour of training,” he said.
“What's the difference? They said there was a difference and they won again.
“There'll be no fight next week. I told them (fitness staff) not to injure him no matter what and he's playing next week, straight up.”
The Geelong coach hinted Trent West was a good chance to replace Shane Mumford as the second-string ruckman, while livewire forward Mathew Stokes will return after serving a one week suspension.
Vice captain Cameron Ling and running defender Andrew Mackie are in doubt after sustaining leg injuries in last week's win over Richmond.
Thompson said the coaching staff would closely monitor the progress of a 21-year-old defender Harry Taylor in the wake of last week's news that All-Australian defender Matthew Egan would not play again this year.
“We'll certainly manage him because he's one guy we need in at the right end of the season,” he said.
“At this stage he's handling everything.”
The coach said he had not looked at last year's preliminary final triumph over the Magpies in preparation for Friday night's match, preferring instead to concentrate on the Pies most recent form against Hawthorn and St Kilda.
Despite the vast experience in the Cat's ranks, Thompson said the big stage was a welcome one.
“Any opportunity you get to play in front of a big crowd is a great one and is half the reason why you play,” he said.
“It's exciting as a coach, it's exciting as a player and that will never change. The bigger the crowd the more fun it is.”
Fun is something the Cats have had plenty of over the past 13 months. A win on Friday night will take their record to 28 wins from 29 starts.
