GEELONG has made two changes for its Round 4 blockbuster with Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Mark O'Connor returns to the senior side after consecutive strong performances for the Bendigo Bank Cats in the VFL which included a 23-disposal and one goal game last start.

Luke Dahlhaus is the other addition to the side after playing a starring role in the final quarter comeback win against Collingwood last round after coming on as the medical substitute in the second half. 

Captain Joel Selwood will be absent for the Cats with the Club electing to rest the skipper.

"We are happy to put on the table that we will manage Joel Selwood. I think that has been earmarked over a number of weeks now," coach Chris Scott told media at Wednesday's press conference.

Shaun Higgins has been ruled out with concussion.

"He has experienced delayed onset symptoms post the game. Our medical team are managing Shaun in line with AFL protocols," general manager football, Simon Lloyd said.

Geelong's Round 4 clash will commence at 7.50pm.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to GMHBA Stadium with a VFL curtain raiser between the same two sides taking place prior from 3.35pm.

Round 4 Team

INS: Luke Dahlhaus, Mark O'Connor

OUTS: Joel Selwood (Rested), Shaun Higgins (Injured)

GEELONG huffed and puffed and eventually saw off the challenge of Brisbane by 10 points in a gripping contest at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Trailing by a point at the final change, the Cats kicked two goals to one in the fourth quarter to win 11.14 (80) to 11.4 (70) in front of a raucous home crowd.

CATS v LIONS Full match coverage and stats

Tom Hawkins was the hero for the victors, kicking five goals, including the match-sealer late in the last term.

He waged an engrossing duel with Marcus Adams, who was among the Lions' best with his intercept marking, but Hawkins delivered when it mattered most.

Geelong won despite the late withdrawals of Tom Stewart (gastro) and Esava Ratugolea (ankle) and then losing Quinton Narkle (ankle) late in the third term.

While Hawkins finished off around goal, Geelong won this match at the coalface.

Incredibly, the first half saw a total of 13 goals, but neither team could string two together consecutively as they traded blows.

The Cats were able to transition the ball well from their back half to create chances, and after some gettable misses early on, made Brisbane pay in the second quarter.

Isaac Smith (29 disposals) found space on the left wing all night, giving Brisbane headaches with his hard run and penetrating kicking, while Patrick Dangerfield overcame a slow start under the attention of Jarrod Berry to impart his will on the contest after half-time.

Brisbane will lose no admirers from the match, despite losing its 13th straight contest at the venue.

Dan McStay was magnificent in defeat, kicking three goals from his 14 disposals and 11 marks.

O'Connor and Neale meet again

From the moment Mark O'Connor was selected to replace his rested skipper Joel Selwood, it was clear he'd tag Lachie Neale. Last year the Irishman did a wonderful job in quietening the Brownlow medallist both times they squared off, but Neale was ready this time. After a quiet start, the Lions ball-winner had seven disposals by quarter-time and 13 by the half, most of his work done close to the contest. He finished with a match-high 30 for the night, that included 11 clearances, to take the points.

Cockatoo reported in return to Cattery

This was Nakia Cockatoo's first visit back to Geelong since he left the Cats 18 months ago and it's fair to say it was a mixed bag. After a quiet first half, the powerful Lion started the third quarter with a contest against Rhys Stanley. With the ball in dispute, the pair came together with Stanley falling backwards. Cockatoo was reported for rough conduct and now faces a nervous wait to see if he'll be cited by the Match Review Officer.

Battle of the big forwards

If you like watching big forwards go to work, this was the match for you. While Hawkins (5.3) was making the most of his chances at one end, Dan McStay and Joe Daniher were keeping the Lions in the contest at the other. Each Lion kicked three goals and combined for 18 marks between them. It was one of McStay's best games in Brisbane colours, particularly considering the hostile environment.

GEELONG       2.2       7.6       9.8       11.14 (80)
BRISBANE     2.2       6.3       10.3     11.4 (70)

GOALS  
Geelong: Hawkins 5, Bews, Cameron, Dahlhaus, Narkle, Smith, Stengle
Brisbane: Daniher 3, McStay 3, Cameron 2, Fullarton, Rayner, Starcevich

BEST  
Geelong: Smith, Hawkins, Tuohy, Blicavs, Duncan, Dangerfield
Brisbane: McStay, Neale, Adams, Daniher, Andrews, Rich

INJURIES  
Geelong: Narkle (ankle)
Brisbane: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Esava Ratugolea (ankle) and Tom Stewart (gastro) replaced in selected side by Quinton Narkle and Gryan Miers
Brisbane: Nil

SUBSTITUTES  
Geelong: Zach Guthrie (replaced Narkle in the third quarter)
Brisbane: Deven Robertson (unused)

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