Geelong will be hoping the addition of Dan Menzel will add some spark to their underperforming AFL forward line.
Menzel, who has kicked 38 goals in 17 appearances this season, was controversially left out of the Cats’ qualifying final loss to Richmond.
But he earned a recall, along with Darcy Lang, for Friday night’s sudden-death semi-final against Sydney at the MCG.
Cameron Guthrie (calf) and Jordan Murdoch (omitted) departed the side thumped by 51 points by Richmond.
Geelong managed just 40 points against the Tigers and have scored 61, 60 and 60 points against the Swans in their past three encounters – all losses.
Coach Chris Scott admitted he may have erred in leaving out the dynamic forward and forecast his inclusion when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday.
The Swans stuck with the same 22 that demolished Essendon in last week’s elimination final at the SCG.
Out-of-favour ruck-forward Kurt Tippett didn’t even make Sydney’s emergency list, which is comprised of Aliir Aliir, Daniel Robinson and Lewis Melican.
In selection news for Saturday night’s semi-final, Greater Western Sydney turned to veteran star Steve Johnson as they look to jump start their AFL finals campaign.
Johnson was dropped for the Giants’ qualifying final loss to Adelaide, but returned with fellow inclusion Tim Taranto for the encounter with West Coast at Spotless Stadium.
The pair replace Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) and Shane Mumford (foot) who are out for the rest of the season.
Former Western Bulldogs skipper Ryan Griffen was given another week to prove he has overcome an ankle injury suffered in round three.
Forward Rory Lobb has been named in the lead ruck role, with the Giants deciding against bringing in specialist ruckman Dawson Simpson.
He is an emergency with Harry Perryman and Sam Reid.
The Eagles made just one unforced change, bringing in experienced hand Sharrod Wellingham at the expense of Luke Partington.
Coach Adam Simpson resisted the temptation to bring back star ruckman Nic Naitanui for his first game of the season.
