Geelong legend Sam Newman has encouraged Mark Blicavs to use his strengths to defeat Todd Goldstein in the ruck on Friday night. With Hamish McIntosh out of the side with a knee injury and no other ruckmen available, the former steeplechaser will have to step up.

"He's extremely enthusiastic and extremely keen ... and that can be, in finals football, half the battle," Newman told the Herald Sun.

“Geelong could do a lot worse than have him (Blicavs) in the centre square. And if there is any positive to be gained by it, it is the fact he'll be up for it.”

Goldstein’s dominance in the ruck is profound and some consider him unlucky not to be in All-Australian contention.

The 201cm Kangaroo rates above average in hit outs to advantage (13.4 per cent), compared to Blicavs at 7.3 per cent.

But while the odds are in Goldstein’s favour, Newman believes Blicavs will provide plenty of upside for the Cats with his running power and athleticism.

“That will be his main weapon, his ability to outlast those who come up against him,” Newman said.

“Geelong should know that is what his strength is, his engine room and his aerobic capacity should be a great danger and used as a weapon against the people he plays against.

“Aaron Sandilands is as big as a tree and has a definite plan in mind - his strength is centre bounce work ... Mark Blicavs is completely the opposite. His strength is his aerobic capacity and the fact that he is a great competitor.”

But Goldstein may have others to contend with according to Geelong coach Chris Scott.

“We’ve got a few options with Josh Walker coming into the team, we effectively played with three ruckmen last week so at bare minimum we could go in with Walker and Blicavs in the ruck, but we’ve got some other more left-field options that we’re considering as well.

“Tom Hawkins has done a little bit in the past, anyone over 193cm is a candidate.”