GEELONG has made two changes to its team that will play Melbourne in a Round 17 Retro Round blockbuster at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.

Skipper Joel Selwood and key defender Sam De Koning are back for the Cats.

They replace Jake Kolodjashnij (injury) and Quinton Narkle (omitted).

Geelong will be hunting a seventh consecutive victory and senior coach Chris Scott says his side are embracing the hype ahead of the top of the ladder clash.

"We're embracing it, there's no doubt about that," senior coach Chris Scott said. 

"We've got no intention of running away from the fact that it's a big occasion. We've got high expectations, and we acknowledge we're playing the best team in the comp over the last period of time. [They are] top spot for a reason. 

"We're really excited about what we can bring but without overplaying it as well. It’s not a knockout game. It's not as if the side that loses won't be able to dust themselves off.

"But we constantly talk about the fact that it's a privilege to play in these big games."

The game will be a special occasion for Isaac Smith who will play his 250th AFL game. 

To celebrate Retro Round, the Cats’ jumper for the clash will reflect the knitted wool style that dominated until the 1990s and features the crouching Cat logo that was in place between 1983 and 1999.

The Club will also pay tribute to its 2011 premiership team, 10 years on.

The game will commence at 7.20pm with gates open two hours prior. Make sure you arrive early for the pre-game activities, including fireworks! 

Geelong will name its medical substitute an hour prior to the first bounce.

Round 17 Team

INS: Joel Selwood, Sam De Koning

OUTS: Jake Kolodjashnij (injured), Quinton Narkle (omitted)