Geelong have named superstar Max Holmes as one of three changes for Friday night’s elimination final against Carlton, while Brisbane will welcome back classy midfielder Hugh McCluggage for their blockbuster against Sydney.
Holmes hasn’t played since fracturing an ankle and needing syndesmosis surgery in Round 19, but he is back in the side, along with Mark Blicavs and Oli Wiltshire.
Premiership defender Sam De Koning has been omitted, along with Jack Martin and Jhye Clark with the Cats boasting a full-strength team.
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De Koning has played 19 games this season, but has lost his place in a massive call. The 25-year-old has been subjected to trade rumours despite having a year to run on his contract.
The Blues have been forced into one change with veteran defender Nick Haynes failing to recover from the ankle injury he suffered in last week’s win over Melbourne.
Wade Derksen comes into the side, and there is no room for Will Hayward, who hasn’t played since suffering an ankle injury against the Western Bulldogs in Round 23.
The Lions have welcomed back McCluggage with versatile tall Ty Gallop the unlucky Lion to make way for Saturday’s qualifying final against Sydney.
The Swans made just one change with Hayden McLean replacing Will Green.
Elsewhere, Adelaide have regained Callum Ah Chee for Saturday night’s elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.
The Dogs also made one change with Will Lewis replacing Matt Kennedy, who is in concussion protocols.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Geelong v Carlton at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST
GEELONG
In: M.Holmes, M.Blicavs, O.Wiltshire
Out: S.De Koning (omitted), J.Martin (omitted), J.Clark (omitted)
CARLTON
In: W.Derksen
Out: N.Haynes (ankle)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Sydney v Brisbane at the SCG, 3.15pm AEST
SYDNEY
In: H.McLean
Out: W.Green (omitted)
BRISBANE
In: H.McCluggage
Out: T.Gallop (omitted)
Adelaide v Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, 7.05pm ACST
ADELAIDE
In: C.Ah Chee
Out: Z.Taylor (hamstring)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
In: W.Lewis
Out: M.Kennedy (concussion)
