THERE has been a third late change ahead of the Easter Monday clash between Hawthorn and Geelong, with Cats forward Esava Ratugolea withdrawn from the game. 

The powerful and exciting talent had been in doubt for the contest, but was named in the Cats' initial line-up 90 minutes before the game.

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However, the club made a very late change and replaced him with Mark O'Connor less than half an hour before the first bounce.  

The Cats had already lost Mitch Duncan to a hamstring complaint before the game, while James Frawley was a late out for the Hawks.

Hawthorn said Frawley suffered the sprain last week and was not passed fit for the Cats clash, being replaced by backman Kaiden Brand. 

The Cats confirmed AFL.com.au's report earlier on Monday that livewire Nakia Cockatoo will play his first game for the season.

Cockatoo replaced star midfielder Mitch Duncan, who couldn't overcome hamstring tightness after last week's win over Melbourne.  

He has been building towards a return after two VFL practice matches following a calf setback in pre-season.

Jordan Murdoch and O’Connor also didn’t play in the reserves on Sunday.

Cam Guthrie (groin) and Tom Stewart (ankle) were monitored during the week after concerns in the round one win over the Demons but will play. 

Hawthorn youngster Ryan Burton was also under a fitness cloud after injuring his ankle last week, but will take his place in the Hawks' side.

Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Esava Ratugolea replaced in selected side by Mark O'Connor, Mitch Duncan (hamstring tightness) replaced in selected side by Nakia Cockatoo
Hawthorn: James Frawley (joint inflammation) replaced in selected side by Kaiden Brand

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: Lachie Fogarty, Nakia Cockatoo, Tim Kelly, Sam Menegola
Hawthorn: Ryan Burton, Liam Shiels, Ricky Henderson, Cyril Rioli