Clash of the Giants gets supersized as big boys return

ONE of the most critical games of the year has been further hyped, with Geelong and Greater Western Sydney bringing in the big guns for tomorrow night’s clash at Simonds Stadium. A win guarantees either side a home final, while a loss could consign the loser to fourth and a qualifying final against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

The Cats regained Mark Blicavs from an ankle injury, Tom Hawkins returns from a two-game suspension and youngster Brandan Parfitt.

Jackson Thurlow, Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson have been dropped.

The Giants, who have lost their only two matches in Geelong, have gone with former Cat Steve Johnson and big marking forward Rory Lobb.

Matt de Boer and Harrison Himmelberg have made way.

“Hawk coming back does give us that flexibility,” Cats coach Chris Scott said.

“Without question ... the forward line will look different this week just by virtue of Tom being back in.”

North Melbourne made five changes for its clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba as Lachlan Hansen, Lindsay Thomas, Aaron Mullett and Jed Anderson join debutant Ben McKay in the 22.

Carlton will say farewell to Dennis Armfield against Sydney after he was named as Jack Silvagni’s (shoulder) replacement.