GEELONG has suffered a double blow with Tom Hawkins and Taylor Hunt both late withdrawals for Saturday's second qualifying final against Fremantle.

Hawkins has been replaced by Josh Walker, who comes into the team for just his 10th game.

Fremantle also made one late change including veteran defender Luke McPharlin for his first game back since round 15.

Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said Hawkins had pulled up in some discomfort from training late in the week.

"Earlier in the week he looked okay but after the main session he pulled up a little bit sore so it was best to probably leave him out and give Josh Walker an opportunity.

"It's probably not just week to week but a day to day thing we've got to manage.

"There's a plan in place and it's something Tom's very confident about.

"Sometimes there might be a day where he doesn't feel as good and we're best placed, especially in a final to play a fit player like Josh Walker."

Hawkins has played 20 games this season and kicked 46 goals.

Walker has kicked five goals in nine games.

The Cats included Cameron Guthrie as a late replacement for Hunt.

Guthrie has been a solid performer this season and will have the big job on either Hayden Ballantyne or Michael Walters. 

Both Walker and Guthrie are playing in their first finals for Geelong.

The Cats have elected to start Paul Chapman as the substitute in his 250th game.

Chapman sparked the Cats when he came on the ground in the first quarter of the round 22 clash against the Sydney Swans after starting as a sub. He kicked one goal and had nine disposals after being a temporary concussion sub for Nathan Vardy who was being assessed for concussion.

McPharlin has played six finals and is a key player for Fremantle. He has replaced Alex Silvagni, who played in the Dockers’ win over the Cats in the 2012 elimination final.

The first final at Simonds Stadium looks set to be played in intermittent rain with drizzle falling and high dark clouds hovering over the ground.

Geelong v Fremantle at Simonds Stadium, 2.20pm (AEST)

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Tom Hawkins (back) replaced in selected side by Josh Walker, Taylor Hunt (ankle) replaced in selected side by Cameron Guthrie
Fremantle: Alex Silvagni replaced in selected side by Luke McPharlin

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: James Kelly, Jared Rivers, Mark Blicavs
Substitute: Paul Chapman
Fremantle: Danyle Pearce, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale
Substitute: Tom Sheridan