PREMIERSHIP Tiger Josh Caddy's two-goal return in round 18 hasn't spared him from the axe for Friday night's qualifying final against Brisbane at the Gabba.

Caddy joins tough midfielder Jack Ross in making way for reigning club champion Dion Prestia – for his first game since round five, and after two ankle surgeries – and Shai Bolton (corked calf).  

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Prestia hasn't played even a scratch match in the meantime, but has cleared every hurdle at training to prove he has recovered from his syndesmosis setback.

High-profile Lions Harris Andrews (hamstring) and Jarrod Berry (shoulder) also return to boost their side's hopes of ending a 15-match losing slide to Richmond.

They replace omitted pair Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Jack Payne, who join Mitch Hinge and Archie Smith as emergencies.

Caddy, Ross, Oleg Markov and Nathan Broad are on standby for the Tigers.

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Andrews was initially going to be out until as late as a potential preliminary final, after tearing his left hamstring in the eight-point win over Collingwood at the start of September.

However, the dual All-Australian began realistically targeting the club's first final last week.

The teams clashed at the same venue and stage a year ago, with the Tigers romping to a 47-point triumph that set them up for a second flag in three seasons.

Brisbane exited the finals series in straight sets last year and haven't won a post-season match since 2009.

The winner on Friday night will advance to a preliminary final.

Friday, October 2

Second qualifying final - Brisbane v Richmond, the Gabba, 7.50pm AEST

BRISBANE
IN: H.Andrews, J.Berry
OUT: J.Payne (omitted), C.Ellis-Yolmen (omitted)

RICHMOND
IN: S.Bolton, D.Prestia
OUT: J.Caddy (omitted), J.Ross (omitted)