Geelong premiership players Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly could bolster the Cats’ lineup for Sunday’s clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

Bartel hasn’t played since sustaining a knee injury in Geelong’s Round Three win over Gold Coast.

The Brownlow Medallist, whose return has been delayed by an infection, trained well through the Cats’ Round 13 bye and will come into selection consideration on Thursday evening. Fellow premiership player James Kelly could also return from an ankle injury.

Kelly was subbed out of Geelong’s Round 11 clash with the Power at Adelaide Oval but has increased his training load ahead of this Sunday’s important contest against the Crows.

Key forward Mitch Clark (calf) has been ruled out, with the Cats adopting a cautious approach to the soft-tissue injury. The former Demon has been sidelined since Round Nine.

Speedster Billie Smedts and ruckman Dawson Simpson were Geelong’s best VFL performers prior to the bye and could also be possible inclusions.

Smedts, returning from a broken collarbone, collected 20 possessions, five marks and four clearances in Geelong’s 20-point VFL win over Coburg.

Simpson, who hasn’t played since Round Five due to a shoulder issue, pushed his case for a recall with 45 hit-outs, nine disposals and three clearances.

Ex-Demon Sam Blease also impressed with 23 touches and two goals and could return for his second senior game at his new club.