Cats coach CHRIS SCOTT says his team can still defend its premiership, even though they're currently out of the top eight.

Geelong clash with Collingwood in a Grand Final rematch on Friday night.

The coach says the club's preference is to finish top four, but he's confident they have what it takes to win even if they face sudden death in the finals.

And he’s hoping triple Premiership players MATTY SCARLETT and JIMMY BARTEL are set to return from injury for Friday night..