Sydney have several important selection calls ahead of Friday night’s AFL preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG.

They have already ruled out Rising Star winner Callum Mills because of the hamstring strain he suffered in their qualifying final loss to the Giants.

Kurt Tippett (jaw) also missed their semi-final win over Adelaide, while Gary Rohan (knee) and Jarrad McVeigh (calf) were hurt against the Crows.

Tippett, Rohan and McVeigh are all rated as chances to play against the Cats.

If Tippett returns, fellow ruckman Toby Nankervis could be an unlucky axing after a solid game against Adelaide.

Scans cleared Rohan and McVeigh of serious injuries earlier this week, giving them some hope of proving their fitness for the Cats clash.

Geelong are guaranteed one change, with key defender Lachie Henderson set to return from minor knee surgery.

There had been speculation earlier this week that the Cats might spring a selection shock and drop Jimmy Bartel, but that seems highly unlikely.

Fellow defenders Tom Ruggles or Jake Kolodjashnij appear the most likely hard-luck candidates to make way for Henderson.

The Giants will lose veteran forward Steve Johnson for Saturday’s home preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs.

He accepted a one-game suspension for the high hit that rattled Swans star Josh Kennedy in the qualifying final.

For once, the Bulldogs could have an unchanged lineup after their wretched run with injury this season.

Coach Luke Beveridge admitted after the semi-final win over Hawthorn that he was hesitant to push their luck by declaring a clean bill of health from the match.