Aaron Sandilands doesn’t believe the ruck is a weakness in Geelong’s set-up that Freo can exploit in Saturday’s qualifying final.

The Cats have no shortage of tall timber on their list, but getting them on the park and playing consistent football has proved a challenge for senior coach Chris Scott.

Nathan Vardy is talented but has only played seven games, while Trent West has struggled to cement his spot in 13 appearances.

Former North Melbourne big man Hamish McIntosh is a proven performer, but injury prevented him from playing a single game this year.

Dawson Simpson had locked down the lead ruck role and was crucial in Geelong’s round 14 win over Fremantle, but he is also done for the year.

Despite Geelong’s ruck struggles, Sandilands said he and the in-form Zac Clarke were expecting a tough day at the office at Simonds Stadium.

“The guys that have come in for them have done a good job, they’ve got a lot of depth in the ruck,” he said.

“Vardy will be up and about.

“You come up against a tough opponent every week in the AFL.”

Fremantle’s midfield will have a decidedly different look to it from the one that was thrashed by the Cats in round 14 this season.

Sandilands didn’t play, and neither did on-ball stars David Mundy and Michael Barlow.

The three-time All Australian said the midfield would be crucial on Saturday.

“We have an experienced midfield now and we know how strong Geelong are through there, so it’s going to be a great battle,” he said.

Sandilands didn’t play his first game of 2013 until round 15, but the 30-year-old has finished the season off solidly, appearing in sevengames.

A cheekbone injury against Melbourne in round 21, which forced him to miss round 22, has been the only hiccup.

“It’s been good to get a few games in and I’m just looking forward to getting out there this weekend against the Cats,” he said.

“The real stuff begins now and it will be a big challenge for us.”

Sandilands also said the players weren’t concerned where the match against Geelong was played, after the AFL decided to fixture the game at Simonds Stadium.

“That’s out of our control, all we can focus on is preparing ourselves as best we can to take them on,” he said.

“Wherever that is, we’ll be up for the challenge.”