- Speedster Billy Hartung dumped again by Hawks for finals
- Big forward Jarrad Waite unable to prove fitness for Roos
- Star Crows return as Henderson, Ellis-Yolmen lose spots
HAWTHORN speedster Billy Hartung has suffered more finals heartache after being axed for Friday night's blockbuster qualifying final against Geelong.
Hartung, who was devastated to be dropped for last year's Grand Final triumph, couldn't hold his spot despite booting two crucial goals in the Hawks' thrilling one-point win against Collingwood in round 23.
It's third time unlucky for Hartung, 21.
In 2014, he played in round 23 but was then dropped for the Hawks' successful finals campaign.
Young ruckman Marc Pittonet has also made way as No.1 big man Ben McEvoy (back) and important defender Ben Stratton (torn pec) return from injury for the next chapter of the Hawks' famous rivalry against Geelong.
Premiership defender Matt Spangher, utility Daniel Howe and Hartung are the Hawks' emergencies.
The Cats have made one solitary change, calling back tagger Scott Selwood from hamstring tightness for a likely shutdown role on Hawks champion Sam Mitchell.
Small defender Jed Bews misses out for Geelong, while key backman Lachie Henderson hasn't been risked after recent knee surgery.
Bews, classy young gun Nakia Cockatoo and forward Shane Kersten are Geelong's emergencies.
Meanwhile in the other qualifying final, NAB AFL Rising Star winner Callum Mills (calf) returns in the only change for the Sydney Swans ahead of the minor premiers' historic final against crosstown rivals Greater Western Sydney.
Mills replaces Harry Cunningham (omitted) for Saturday afternoon's clash at ANZ Stadium, which is close to a sell-out with only 10,000 tickets remaining.
Toby Nankervis and Jeremy Laidler join Cunningham on the emergency list.
In their fifth season since entering the competition, the Giants will step out for their first taste of September action with the same side which defeated North Melbourne in round 23.
Rhys Palmer, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Adam Kennedy are GWS' emergencies.
Adelaide has regained star midfielder Rory Sloane (suspension) and rebounding half-back Brodie Smith (concussion) for Saturday night's elimination final clash against North Melbourne.
First-year coach Don Pyke has dropped Ricky Henderson and Cam Ellis-Yolmen as the Crows seek to re-establish their premiership credentials after a costly round 23 defeat to West Coast.
Henderson, Riley Knight and Reilly O'Brien round out the 25 for the Crows.
Despite limping into finals with just two wins from their past 11 games, the Kangaroos will go in unchanged for the Adelaide Oval contest.
Star forward Jarrad Waite has failed to overcome his troublesome hip, while versatile backman Scott Thompson (adductor) also remains on the sidelines.
Veteran forward Drew Petrie has held his spot for what could be his farewell match alongside Brent Harvey, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito.
Brad McKenzie, Corey Wagner and hard-runner Ryan Clarke are North Melbourne's three emergencies.
Thursday, September 8
West Coast v Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium, 6.10pm AWST
WEST COAST
In: M.Brown
Out: L.Jetta (calf)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
In: J.Roughead, E.Wood, T.Liberatore, J.Stringer, J.Macrae
Out: W.Minson, K.Stevens, F.Roberts, N.Hrovat, B.Williams
Friday, September 9
Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST
GEELONG
In: S.Selwood
Out: J.Bews
HAWTHORN
In: B.McEvoy, B.Stratton
Out: B.Hartung, M.Pittonet
Saturday, September 10
Sydney Swans v Greater Western Sydney at ANZ Stadium, 3.20pm AEST
SYDNEY SWANS
In: C.Mills
Out: H.Cunningham
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
No change
Adelaide v North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACST
ADELAIDE
In: R.Sloane, B.Smith
Out: R.Henderson, C.Ellis-Yolmen
NORTH MELBOURNE
No change
