Geelong will be boosted by the return of three of their most important players for the qualifying final clash with Hawthorn.

Hamish McIntosh, Steven Motlop and Steve Johnson all return for the epic encounter.

Making way for the trio are Mitch Brown, Billie Smedts and Lincoln McCarthy.

Josh Walker will keep the second key forward role after impressing against the Lions last week.

McIntosh and Motlop were both managed last week and had a week off whilst Johnson will play his first game since the Cats round 20 win over Fremantle.

Unfortunately for the Cats, midfielder Allen Christensen has failed to get up for the clash after suffering back soreness. Geelong is hopeful of his return for their next final.

Brown and McCarthy will be emergencies for the clash along with Brad Hartman.

Geelong will have three changes from the side that lost to Hawthorn in round 22 with Johnson, Walker and George Horlin-Smith replacing Allen Christensen, Brad Hartman and Shane Kersten from that night.

Tickets are still available for the clash by clicking here.

Cats side:
B: Taylor, Lonergan, Rivers
HB: Mackie, Enright, Duncan
C: Guthrie, Selwood, Bartel
HF: Motlop, Blicavs, Murdoch
F: Johnson, Hawkins, Stokes
R: McIntosh, Caddy, Kelly
IC: Horlin-Smith, Thurlow, Varcoe, Walker
EMG: Brown, McCarthy, Hartman