Cam Guthrie in action against the Swans.

It’s crunch time for the Cats when they meet the Swans at Metricon Stadium today from 3.35pm AEST.

Geelong’s destiny is in their own hands. A win will secure a top four finish and double finals chance, a loss would see them head into an elimination final.

TEAM SELECTION

Captain Joel Selwood is one of four big inclusions for the Cats’ Round 18 clash. Gary Ablett Jnr, Gary Rohan and Jack Steven are the others, with all three named to start inside Geelong’s attacking 50.

Sydney has made three changes with Callum Sinclair, James Rowbottom and Jordan Dawson returning for the final game of the regular season.

HOW THE TEAMS COMPARE

Total Points: Geelong (1st) v Sydney (16th)
Marks Inside 50: Geelong (1st) v Sydney (13th)
Intercepts: Geelong (18th) v Sydney (4th)
Total Clearances: Geelong (2nd) v Sydney (13th)
Tackles: Geelong (5th) v Sydney (2nd)
Total Disposals: Geelong (2nd) v Sydney (11th)

SCOTT ON SWANS

“They've certainly improved as the year has gone on so I suspect that we will be playing them at close to their best for the year,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"I think this is a good chance for us to acknowledge that the stakes are high, the results are really important one for us, lets confront it and do the best we can." 

20:11

Scott press conference

Chris Scott speaks ahead of the round 18 clash with the Swans. Presented by Morris Finance.

KEY MATCHUPS

Cameron Guthrie v Luke Parker

Parker has been in excellent recent form averaging 25 disposals and a goal per game in his last three matches.

He leads the Swans this season for clearances (78), tackles (82) and contested possessions (180).

Cameron Guthrie was rewarded for an outstanding season to date by receiving a AFLPA MVP nomination earlier this week.

The 28-year-old will likely matchup on the dangerous Swan at some stage throughout the game.

Guthrie leads the disposal count for the Cats this season averaging 22 per game and is ranked second for clearances (63) behind Patrick Dangerfield (78).

Mark O’Connor v Tom Papley

Papley has been Sydney’s best attacking option inside 50 this season with 24.22 from his 16 matches.

He is rated elite for stoppage clearances and has a knack of crafting out chances for both himself and his teammates, averaging five score involvements per game.

The ‘Shark’ Mark O’Connor is having an excellent season to date and could be the man for the job, having already done the job on some of the game’s best small forwards this season.