The performance of Geelong recruit Jack Steven took Cats' midfield coach Matthew Knights by surprise.

The former Saint had 26 disposals from 65 per cent game time in his first hit-out after calf troubles had plagued his preparation post-Christmas.

"He hasn't lost any of his evasive prowess," Knights said. 

"First-up, expectations weren't high on my behalf today of what I would see but he exceeded my expectations with the way he played.

"I thought his contest work was fierce, he used the ball nicely.

"There's a few things we spoke about after the game he'd like to brush up on but all in all it's been a really good journey to get to this point.

"He's going to be quite a significant player for us, even looking on the back of today's performance."

Knights described the Cats' ruck selection dilemma for the opening clash against Greater Western Sydney as "hazy".

Darcy Fort impressed with 12 disposals and four clearances in the first half before he was replaced by Rhys Stanley after the main break.

"It doesn't make it any clearer at this stage, two or three days before GWS we're going to have to solve that riddle," Knights said.

"Esava did a bit today which was good, he hasn't done any ruck work up to this point in match practice but he did 12-14 minutes in the first half. It's pretty tight that one."

Knights conceded Sam Menegola was scheduled to play a full game in his first match of the summer but was put on ice after half-time after copping a corked thigh.

He added that Mark O'Connor and Jack Henry would be fit for the season-opener despite only playing a half and was also impressed by Brandan Parfitt and Quinton Narkle's increased midfield minutes.