GEELONG has decided to field a shorter line-up on a rain-sodden MCG for Sunday's blockbuster clash against Richmond, withdrawing tall forward Wylie Buzza from its selected team in favour of the smaller, more mobile James Parsons.
A Cats spokesperson confirmed Buzza's withdrawal was purely tactical following a morning in which Melbourne was lashed by persistent showers.
It was Geelong's 12th late change this season.
Richmond named an unchanged team 90 minutes before the start of the 3.20 game.
The game is set to be played in extremely damp conditions after Melbourne was lashed by persistent showers on Sunday morning.
Richmond will be bolstered by the return of Dustin Martin (calf) from injury, while Daniel Rioli will play his first senior game of 2018 after a long rehabilitation from a broken ankle.
FOLLOW IT LIVE Cats v Tigers from the 'G
The Tigers enter Sunday's game third on the ladder with a 9-3 record, with the Cats a game further back in fourth.
The top four – and the double chance it offers – looks set to be fiercely contested this year, with Melbourne (fifth), Collingwood (sixth) and Port Adelaide (seventh) just percentage behind the Cats.
Geelong v Richmond at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Wylie Buzza replaced in selected side by James Parsons
Richmond: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: Sam Menegola, Corey Gregson, James Parsons, Zach Guthrie
Richmond: Brandon Ellis, Jack Higgins, Reece Conca, Kamdyn McIntosh
