Geelong will have to make tough calls on the availability of three of their most creative players this week – Steve Johnson, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen.

Johnson returned in week one of the AFL finals after a three-week layoff due to a foot injury.

But the 31-year-old was below his best, Cats coach Chris Scott saying he’s sore and in doubt for the side’s sudden-death clash with North Melbourne on Friday night.

Motlop was likewise restricted after hurting his ankle in the second quarter against Hawthorn.

Christensen was left out of the side that lost to the reigning premiers by 36 points due to back soreness.

“Hopefully with Christensen given the extra week off, he’ll come up,” Cats veteran Corey Enright told the Seven Network’s AFL Game Day.

The trio are all capable of turning a game on its head, either by kicking a remarkable goal or sparking the Cats in the middle with their guile and speed.

Johnson is the most decorated and experienced.

Scott will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last Friday night, but Johnson has form when it comes to remarkable recoveries.

Johnson was close to missing the 2011 grand final due to a serious knee injury, but got through the game due to a series of pain-killing injections.

“He’s had well-documented injuries in the past and seems to get himself up,” Enright said on Sunday.

“He’ll be the first guy to tell you that once he’s out there, he’s fit.

“With a guy like Stevie, you back him in more often than not.”

Enright said it was too early in the week to know whether Johnson was going to play.

“Hopefully. Fingers crossed he’ll be right, because we need him,” he added.