HAMSTRING tightness has forced Geelong small forward Lincoln McCarthy out of Saturday afternoon's clash with North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium. 

James Parsons will be his replacement.

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McCarthy played in last week's win against Gold Coast, his first match since round three, 2017.

Meanwhile, Parsons hasn't played in the senior side since the Cats' round nine loss to Essendon.

Geelong coach Chris Scott had hoped his side would remain as it was against the Suns when speaking on Thursday.

"There's a strong chance we'll be unchanged for the first time in a long time," Scott said. 

It will be Cats defender Aaron Black's first match against his former team.

North Melbourne will line up as selected.

Geelong v North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium, 1.45pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring tightness) replaced in selected side by James Parsons
North Melbourne: Nil

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Geelong: Aaron Black, Sam Menegola, Jordan Cunico, James Parsons
North Melbourne: Paul Ahern, Sam Wright, Billy Hartung, Tom Murphy