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Small forward Gryan Miers will make a timely return to Geelong's line-up with the Cats coming off a 44-point loss in a game where they kicked just seven goals.

Geelong's powerful forward line, which badly misfired against Brisbane, will be boosted by the return of goal-sneak Gryan Miers for the Cats' AFL clash with Essendon on Friday.

Arguably the most dangerous forward-50 set-up in the AFL when up and going, the Cats were held to just seven goals in a 44-point defeat to the Lions last Thursday night.

But Miers, who has been missing since the Cats' round-seven loss to Sydney, adds a different dimension alongside Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron and Gary Rohan.

"We've only lost one game so (Miers) isn't calling himself the barometer just yet," Cats coach Chris Scott said.

"But he's got a different set of skills to our other forwards.

"He's a smart player, great goal sense, and is an elite runner, and when you take elite runners out of your team it always has a bit of an impact."

Since Cameron made his Geelong debut in round six against West Coast, he has booted 25 goals, Hawkins has kicked 21 and Rohan has added 17 to put fear into opposition defences until last week.

Meanwhile, Scott said Quinton Narkle was in contention for a recall but could not guarantee finding a spot for the classy midfielder, who is certain to attract attention from rival clubs during this year's trade period.

The 23-year-old has struggled to cement a place in the Cats' experienced line-up, despite a career-best 34 possessions against Gold Coast in round 10.

"I'd love to have him in the team and never have him go out again for a decade. But it's not that simple," Scott said.

"One of the unfortunate things for Quinton is that he's been an outstanding sub for us.

"We're not going to leave him out of our 22 for too long, that's for sure."