Geelong have named Mark Blicavs in their side to face Sydney at the SCG on Thursday night, backing the influential defender to overcome a toe injury.
The Cats have made two changes for the crunch clash, recalling Scott Selwood and Jamaine Jones at the expense of James Parsons and Jordan Cunico.
The Swans have been forced to make three changes, with Dean Towers, Robbie Fox and Dan Robinson called up in the absence of Isaac Heeney (concussion), James Rose (shoulder) and Gary Rohan (hamstring).
Heeney was always going to be racing the clock to prove his fitness, having suffered a head knock last Thursday.
"We didn't want to push him at all," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"He was ruled out and hopefully he's right for next week."
Towers, Fox and Robinson all didn't play in the NEAFL last weekend, with the Swans aware they may be required at AFL level this week following the club's brutal encounter with Richmond.
"Their form has been really solid all year. We're really confident they can give us something," Longmire said.
Blicavs may yet be a last-minute omission, but Geelong coach Chris Scott indicated earlier this week he expects the versatile big man to play.
It looms a key selection call. Blicavs donned a moon boot last weekend and trained away from Geelong's main group on Tuesday.
Blicavs has excelled this season in defence and looms as the Cats' first choice to play on Swans superstar Lance Franklin.
"Franklin's clearly one of the best, if not the best, key forwards in the game so it would be a great challenge for Mark if he does get it," Scott said.
"Two pretty good athletes going at it, and I think Mark's certainly the type of person and player that would relish the challenge."
