McIntosh was expected to return via the VFL this past weekend before the bye, but his delay has been more of a ''cautious approach'' rather than a setback, according to the Cats.

They boast other fully fit ruckmen such as Trent West, Nathan Vardy and Mark Blicavs, along with Dawson Simpson, who says he's gaining more confidence after 37 hitouts against Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson - in the Cats' 58-point VFL win at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.

''I possibly would have thought Hamish would have played by now, but preferably it's post the bye,'' Cats VFL coach Matthew Knights said. ''But again, Hamish has to string two consecutive training weeks together.

''It's his first season from the Kangaroos. He wanted to make an impact at our footy club and he hasn't been able to get out there through no fault of anyone's.

''So he's really frustrated and he's really keen to get going.''

Knights said McIntosh could be another ''two or three weeks'' away from resuming in the VFL. ''When he plays, we want him to feel really good about himself and 100 per cent fully fit,'' he said.

Knights said the Cats' other boom pre-season recruit - defender Jared Rivers - is expected to be at least another month away from resuming from a knee injury.

But in better news for the Cats, Josh Caddy starred with 21 disposals in three quarters in the Cats' win. He was taken off at three-quarter time as a precaution after Knights revealed there had been doubt about his comeback from a calf injury last week.

''He only proved his fitness, pretty late in the week …. I thought his performance for the first three quarters was outstanding,'' Knights said.

Jordan Schroder (22 touches) and Jed Bews (13) showed plenty of touch in the win that puts the Cats in second spot behind Casey only on percentage.

It takes on Port Melbourne in a grand final rematch after the bye.