Sydney have regained midfielder Jude Bolton, but lost key forward Sam Reid for Saturday’s crunch AFL clash at Geelong.

Bolton returns after missing the past three games with a knee problem, but Reid was ruled out with a minor glute strain.

“We thought Sam would train today and that he’d be fine, but unfortunately he was a little bit sore during training and wasn’t able to move too flash at all,” Sydney coach John Longmire said.

“He should be right next week.”

Former St Kilda forward Tommy Walsh has been recalled, while Mitch Morton was dropped after being substitute for the past two games.

“Walshy has been playing well for a long time now in our reserves and he gets his opportunity this week,” Longmire said.

“He’s a big, strong body and has really been working on aspects of his game and improving on them and deserves his opportunity.”

A win will secure Sydney a top two spot, but a loss could result in them dropping to third.

Bolton, who is on 297 games, could now reach his triple century in the finals.

“Jude is actually really feeling fresh and he said the benefit of having a couple of weeks off, which he’s never had at this time of the year, he’s jumping out of his skin,” Longmire said.

“Jude Bolton is a quality player, we know that. He’s experienced he’s able to play forward and in the midfield.

“He gives a bit of versatility to the team so I’m certain he’ll be a plus.

“We don’t expect him to perform miracles this week, but we expect him to play a good strong role for us.”

He firmly believed Sydney’s form had stood up despite losses to Collingwood and Hawthorn either side of a convincing win over the lowly Western Bulldogs.

“I’m actually pretty pleased the way we’re playing, because it’s the sort of pressure football we want to play,” Longmire said.

“I don’t think we’ve been in bad form at all.

“I think our form has been pretty solid against absolute quality opposition.”

Longmire said resurgent defending premiers Geelong would be a harder proposition than the team Sydney beat by six points at the SCG earlier this season, since they have won seven of their past nine games.

“They are a lot better now,” Longmire said.