Geelong has been forced to make a late change for its clash with Sydney with key forward Tom Hawkins withdrawing with gluteus tightness.

Hawkins, who has booted nine goals this years, has been replaced in the selected line-up by Josh Walker.

Walker has played 20 senior games including three this year where he also averages two goals a game.

Sam Blease, playing his first game for the Cats, will start as sub.

The Cats have tried multiple tall forward combos this year with good results:

Hawkins and Clark –  3 games/ 12 goals

Hawkins and Walker – 1 game/ 5 goals

Walker and Clark – 1 game/ 5 goals

Hawkins, Walker, Clark – 1 game/ 4 goals