The Blues lost to Geelong by 19 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, ending a campaign that included a seven-point victory over Collingwood and a 31-point loss to West Coast.

Malthouse said the club was in a far better position than the corresponding time last year, with more key players not only injury-free but having had more game-time against strong opposition.

"When I saw the draw at the end of last season, it was terrific," Malthouse said. "Playing West Coast, playing Collingwood and playing Geelong, it really sets the mood for round one.

"In all honesty, we went in last year knowing we were going to have to use players who were under-done.

"This year our goal was to play 30-odd players. Without adding them up, I think we have played 30-odd players to give us a book of players to go in against Richmond knowing that, if someone had been injured, we could actually see how different players would perform in those (matches) and that's exactly what we've done.

"We've increased the players that need to be increased and we've been able to protect players who we know, with their professionalism and the number of years they've played, that they can come up."

Defender Andrew Walker and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer are among the main injured players, and Bryce Gibbs and Chris Yarran were among those who did not play against the Cats, although Malthouse was pleased with how star midfielders Marc Murphy and Dale Thomas lifted their preparations in the match at Etihad Stadium.

Malthouse also praised the performance of Patrick Cripps, who had 32 disposals, five clearances and a goal playing as a midfielder and medium-sized forward.

Although he had his hands full playing mostly on Geelong big man Mitch Clark (who kicked three goals), Malthouse said youngster Kristian Jaksch did his chances of playing in round one no harm on Sunday.

The coach said Jaksch, the high draft pick from GWS who stands 196cms, could join experienced leaders Michael Jamison and Sam Rowe in defence against Richmond.
 
"Do we play him, Rowe and Jamison?" Malthouse pondered. "I don't really see why we couldn't play those three, because Richmond might give us that opportunity. And I think Jaksch has the capability of playing on a medium [forward] anyway."

Much of the focus in Sunday's game centred on Geelong's key forward pair Tom Hawkins (five) and Clark, after they teamed up for eight goals in an ominous display.

Cats coach Chris Scott admitted the club had made a conscious effort during the pre-season not to place too many expectations on the returning Clark. However he admitted it was "hard not to be excited" after the former Demon produced his third solid showing in the NAB Challenge.

Scott said Cats supporters should be similarly optimistic about first-round draft pick Nakia Cockatoo, who finished with seven disposals and four tackles and could yet help cover the loss of Allen Christensen.

"If I was a Geelong supporter that wasn't a member yet, I would be buying my membership just so I could watch Nakia Cockatoo play," he said.

"We've got enough confidence in him already to play him right in the middle of the action.

"He doesn't need to be eased into his AFL career, he's going to add to our midfield group from day one. He already has."