HAWTHORN has pulled a selection surprise by omitting Luke Breust for its semi-final clash with the Sydney Swans on Friday night, but the young goalkicker could be given a reprieve if superstar forward Lance Franklin fails to be passed fit.

Breust, who has kicked 30 goals in 17 games off the rookie list this season, made way for key defender Ben Stratton, who has been restricted to one game since round three because of a knee injury.

Franklin, who hyper-extended his right knee against Geelong last Friday night, was named but remains in some doubt to take his place against the Swans, with Breust shaping as a potential late inclusion.

The Swans had injury concerns of their own this week, with Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan in doubt, but they named an unchanged line-up on Thursday afternoon.

Intrigue has surrounded the fitness of West Coast stars Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr this week, but both have overcome back injuries to be named in the Eagles' team that will take on Carlton at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.

Brad Ebert, who has played 22 games in a strong season across half-forward, is the unlucky player to make way for Kerr, who has not played since being injured in a bone-jarring tackle from Essendon's Nathan Lovett-Murray in round 22.

Carlton, as expected, did not name ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (foot) or versatile midfielder Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) in its team. International rookie Zach Tuohy, who was recruited from Ireland and has played 10 games this season, was named as Gibbs's replacement.