Bayley Fritsch is chased by Jack Bowes during round four, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

GEELONG has sprung a late change for the third week running, with versatile star Mark Blicavs withdrawn from Friday night's clash against Melbourne due to illness.

It opens the door for Rhys Stanley to play his first game for the season, up against the Dees' superstar ruck Max Gawn, the big Cat having been pulled from the VFL curtain-raiser held prior to the match.

The Cats lost Bailey Smith (calf) two weeks ago, while Tom Stewart (knee) was last week's withdrawal.

Melbourne is unchanged, with Charlie Spargo named as sub.

Mark O'Connor is Geelong's substitute, with Stanley to start.

Melbourne will be desperate to avoid a 0-4 start to the season, after being handed back-to-back thrashings by North Melbourne and Gold Coast ahead of the clash at GMHBA Stadium.

CATS v DEMONS Follow it LIVE

They have faced plenty of scrutiny heading into the round four outing and will be eager to open their account for 2025.

Geelong, too, is seeking to bounce back after suffering two losses, having started 2025 with a belting of Fremantle.

01:53

Match Previews R4: Geelong v Melbourne

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Cats and Demons at GMHBA Stadium

Melbourne has axed three players in the wake of its 0-3 start - Jack Billings, Aidan Johnson and Blake Howes - but has regained livewire forward Kysaiah Pickett from suspension.

Caleb Windsor, Daniel Turner and Charlie Spargo also return to the side, but young gun Xavier Lindsay is out with a knee injury.

Geelong welcomes back Tom Stewart after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a knee injury, while Shaun Mannagh will play his first game of the season, with Mitch Knevitt (managed) and Jhye Clark (omitted) to miss.

Geelong v Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium, 7.40pm AEDT

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Mark Blicavs (illness) replaced in selected side by Rhys Stanley
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Mark O’Connor
Melbourne: Charlie Spargo

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