Essendon’s best worries Chris Scott far more than any point James Kelly and Mathew Stokes might want to prove to Geelong.

Kelly and Stokes will be the centre of attention when they line up against their old club in Saturday’s AFL clash at the MCG.

The Cats did not offer the two premiership veterans contracts at the end of last season.

Then they accepted Essendon’s offer to extend their AFL careers this season as the Bombers sought experience to cover 12 doping suspensions.

But the Geelong coach said he did not spend much time thinking what might motivate opposition players.

A fortnight ago, the Cats also came up against Steve Johnson when they lost to GWS.

“We really respect those two in particular – and Mitch Brown and Jono Simpkin spent some time at Geelong as well,” Scott said of Kelly and Stokes.

“We love all our players, past and present – just not in the two hours we play (against) them on the weekend.

“Even those guys would say we all have bigger fish to fry than worrying about those things.

“It’s good theatre for the supporters and we wish them well – just not for the two hours on Saturday.”

Scott said Geelong would focus on the bigger picture – particularly how Essendon’s makeshift side was exceeding expectations so far this season.

A fortnight ago, the Bombers scored an outstanding win over Melbourne.

“I’d be shattered if we ever went into a game dismissing the threat the opposition posed,” Scott said.

“I guess we’re fortunate in a way that a fortnight ago, they showed what they can do.

“In the other games, they’ve been good in patches as well.

“I’m very confident that whatever happens on the weekend, we won’t be talking in the post-match about our lack of preparation.”

Defender Tom Lonergan is likely to come back into Geelong’s side after he was a late withdrawal on Sunday with a calf muscle injury.