Geelong can look to reigning premiers Brisbane for inspiration on tackling a rare attempt at kicking off their September campaign in the cut-throat world of elimination finals.
The Cats haven't played in an AFL elimination final since losing to Melbourne in 2018.
In that time, Chris Scott's team has finished top four and earned the double chance every year except for missing the finals in 2023.
It makes Friday night's blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG intriguing.
"I've never played in an elimination final, so super excited about that," defender Lawson Humphries told AAP.
"It's going to be a different challenge and different intensity for the first week of finals.
"But Brissie did it in 2024 - they won it from fifth. And I don't see why we can't do that either."
Humphries, 23, played in last year's grand-final defeat and craves silverware.
"Definitely a bit of fire in the belly," he said.
"I see the clips and you see the boys that have won the flags and there's definitely a bit of envy.
"I don't see why we can't do it. I reckon there's probably half the team now haven't won a flag, and the rest were in that 2022 flag.
"We also understand that, as a group, a lot of us are really hungry.
"It's actually a really good balance, having experienced premiership winners and guys that are still really desperate to win one."
The Cats have rushed back star midfielder Max Holmes, with veteran Mark Blicavs - fresh off signing on for next season - and Oli Wiltshire also returning.
Sam De Koning, Jack Martin and Jhye Clark have been dropped.
Humphries has had a strong season, averaging 20.5 disposals and 5.7 marks and enjoying working under new backline coach Nathan Buckley.
"He really nails hard into us backs about work rate," Humphries said.
"For me especially, trying to be a dashing defender - the best defenders in the comp in that position are really hard workers and they're really hard to play against offensively and defensively.
"It's just about trying to develop both sides of my game really strongly and really wanting the moment.
"He's really good at instilling confidence in me to, when going past for a handball receive, really take it and take it with confidence.
"He's been really good at that. He's given me a lot of confidence to play my way."
Geelong haven't beaten Carlton since 2024 and have a point to prove.
"They're probably the form team of the competition, but when you play finals, you don't expect an easy match-up," Humphries said.
The Blues are without Will Hayward, who kicked three goals against the Cats earlier this year, and defender Nick Haynes, with both important players unable to get their respective ankle injuries through training.
Wade Derksen has been recalled in Haynes' place.
Geelong are ready for Carlton fans to swarm the MCG, though Humphries jokes his Blues-supporting housemate has offered to sleep on the couch.
"They're one of the more intimidating crowds," he said.
"Hopefully our fans can challenge them because it does make a big difference.
"It's going to be a big, big crowd. It's really exciting - they're the best games you play in."
