GEELONG has made one change to its side ahead of the blockbuster clash with Hawthorn on Friday night.

Veteran defender Darren Milburn, one of the Cats' best in last week's win over the Western Bulldogs, has been replaced by David Johnson after succumbing to a virus.

Milburn broke a league record against the Bulldogs, accruing 19 possessions in the first quarter.

Johnson has not played since round 21 last year, after which he was demoted to Geelong's VFL side that won that competition's premiership.

Hawthorn, despite speculation that captain Sam Mitchell was struggling with hamstring tightness and with midfielder Luke Hodge awaiting the birth of his first child, will go in as named.