Geelong has taken a bit of a gamble with their team for tonight, bringing back star midfielder Max Holmes, just 10 weeks after undergoing surgery for a fractured ankle in July.
Holmes hasn’t played any VFL or AFL footy in the lead-in, but will be backed in to return and have an impact for the Cats in this do-or-die elimination final.
They’ve also made the shock call to omit key defender Sam De Koning, and young midfielder Jhye Clark, bringing back veteran Mark Blicavs and young forward Oliver Wiltshire.
De Koning’s form has been mixed, but his talent is unquestioned and his future is up in the air, having been linked with a move in the trade period.
For Carlton, defender Nick Haynes did not get through training as he battles an ankle injury, with Wade Derksen replacing him. Derksen has had a strong second half of the year, after being a last-second addition to the club’s list.
Star forward Will Hayward was given every chance to get up for this game, but ultimately fell short thanks to a foot injury suffered in round 24.