DAVID Wojcinski's father, Charlie, says he holds no grudge with Geelong after the club omitted his son from Saturday's grand final side to make way for Paul Chapman.

Wojcinski learnt of his fate on Thursday, with Hawthorn also naming its final side for the clash.

"Geelong has been terrific to him," Charlie Wojcinski told Melbourne radio station SEN. "They have been a terrific club, I have no worries with them down there.

"I don't hold anything against Geelong and certainly wish them all the best on Saturday."

Despite his brave front, Charlie Wojcinski admitted that their extended family and home town of Heyfield, in Gippsland were shattered.

"We'll be there for David, he is a terrific kid," he said. "The whole town of Heyfield are certainly upset with this and it is going to be a pretty tough time for David."

Wojcinski played all 25 games in the Cats' breakthrough premiership year of 2007 and was on track for a similar season until struck down by an achilles injury in round 15 against Fremantle.

Last Friday night's preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs was his first game in nine weeks.

Wojcinski said he was proud of the way his son had fought his way back from injury throughout his career.

"He is a 10-year player, he has done his knee, he has done everything and worked his butt off to get back into the side."

But he understood that the Cats had faced a difficult selection call this week.

"They are under pressure as well, they have got to pick a team and it is team first, individuals second."

Wojcinski said the family had an inkling early in the week that David's spot may be in jeopardy. His was one of several names raised as the media speculated who would make way for a fit Chapman.

"Certain things happen and we had half an idea," he said. "The way the newspapers were throwing his name around was upsetting.

"We didn't want to believe it and I thought maybe it wasn't true."

David Wojcinski was serviceable in the preliminary final, picking up 18 possessions and booting a typical running goal from 60m in the opening term.

However, the club's hand was forced somewhat with James Kelly (quad) and Chapman also coming into the match with limited match preparation.

Kelly played his first AFL game in more than a month against the Dogs and fear of taking three players on their way back from injury into a grand final may have swayed the selectors.

In peak form and fitness, Wojcinski remains in the Cats' best 22.