GEELONG's hopes of toppling ladder-leader Richmond at the MCG on Friday night have been dented with in-form ruckman Rhys Stanley a late withdrawal.

Jackson Thurlow has come into the team, while Richmond will go in as named.

FOLLOW IT LIVE: Tigers v Cats

Stanley has been in career-best form in recent weeks, with mature-age debutant Ryan Abbott now set to carry Geelong's ruck duties against Tiger Toby Nankervis. 

The Tigers will be bidding to extend their winning record streak at the MCG to 19 games on Friday night, while the eighth-placed Cats desperately need a win to shore up their spot in the top eight with Sydney, North Melbourne and Essendon breathing down their necks.

Richmond v Geelong at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Nil
Geelong: Rhys Stanley replaced by Jackson Thurlow in selected side

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Richmond: Shaun Grigg, Jacob Townsend, Kamdyn McIntosh, Connor Menadue
Geelong: Gary Ablett, Sam Menegola, Jackson Thurlow, Jamaine Jones