Geelong has named a strong side for their Round 18 clash against Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Joel Selwood will return to lead the team into battle for the first time since Round 12, with the Cats requiring a victory against the Swans to secure a spot inside the top four.

READ - MATCH PREVIEW

Selwood is one of four changes to this week's team with Gary Ablett Jnr, Gary Rohan and Jack Steven the other big inclusions.

Ablett Jnr and Steven will play their first games since Round 7 and 14 respectively, whilst Rohan returns after he was a late withdrawal against the Tigers.

All three have been named to start in attack.

The Cats have lost Tom Atkins through injury. Brad Close, Lachie Fogarty and last week's debutant Ben Jarvis have been omitted.

Geelong's Round 18 clash will be televised on Channel Seven with the first bounce at 3.35pm AEST. 

20:11

Round 18 Team

IN: Gary Ablett Jnr, Gary Rohan, Joel Selwood, Jack Steven

OUT: Tom Atkins (injured), Lachie Fogarty (omitted), Brad Close (omitted), Ben Jarvis (omitted)

Backs Jed Bews Harry Taylor Jake Kolodjashnij
Half Backs Jack Henry Mark Blicavs Tom Stewart
Centreline Zach Tuohy Joel Selwood Sam Menegola
Half Forwards Luke Dahlhaus Gary Rohan Jack Steven
Forwards Mark O'Connor Tom Hawkins Gary Ablett Jnr
Followers Esava Ratugolea Patrick Dangerfield Brandan Parfitt
Interchange Lachie Henderson Mitch Duncan Gryan Miers
  Cam Guthrie    
       
Emergencies Brad Close Lachie Fogarty Zach Guthrie
  Josh Jenkins