Mitch Duncan has backed Geelong teammate Joel Selwood to recover from finger surgery in time to play in the club’s cut-throat AFL semi-final.

The Cats, who suffered a 16-point defeat in their qualifying final against minor premiers Port Adelaide, now face elimination final.

They are sweating on the fitness of tough captain Selwood, who hurt his left middle finger against the Power and underwent surgery on Friday.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Duncan told reporters on Saturday.

“I haven’t done (the same injury) so I can’t really tell (how much it will limit him), but obviously you use your hands a fair bit.

“He’s been through a lot in his time, he’s a great player and a really important player for us, but I’m sure he’ll do everything right to be able to play.

“Even if it wasn’t Joel, I’d say most players would be doing everything they can to play in a final, but it is Joel and he’ll play, I would’ve thought.”

Jack Steven was left out of the qualifying final side and shapes as a possible replacement for Selwood if required.

Geelong are now 4-12 in all finals since their 2011 premiership and coach Chris Scott launched a fierce defence of his side after the Port Adelaide loss, blasting “lazy” criticism over the record.

Duncan said it isn’t something the players concern themselves with, but they are acutely aware there are no more second chances in this year’s flag race.

“We’ve put ourselves in this position via the footy that we’ve played throughout the year so we should be really confident that our footy can stand up in all games,” Duncan said.

“I didn’t think we played badly (against Port), we put ourselves in a great position and just didn’t capitalise as well as we have in previous games.

“We don’t think about (the finals record) but we obviously want to get better and win finals, there’s no doubt about it.

“We can’t stress about it too much because then it gets stuck in your head.

“We’re staying free and relaxed and knowing that when the ball is bounced we’re giving maximum effort and adhering to what we’re about.”

Duncan backed Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins to bounce back quickly after the Coleman Medal winner kicked 0.5 in a wayward display against Port Adelaide.

“He put himself in the position to score the goals and I think that’s the main thing.

“He’s a proven converter, he won the Coleman, there’s not much more you can really say.

“He’ll get his opportunity again and I dare say he’ll kick the goals.”