OLD CATS will have the chance to exorcise some demons at the MCG on Friday night when they meet the Sydney Swans for the first time in a final since the 2005 semi-final, when Nick Davis' four-goal last quarter sunk the Cats with just seconds remaining.

No Swans remain from that classic contest, but Geelong veterans Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright and Andrew Mackie are sure to carry long memories into their preliminary final against the minor premiers, where ex-Cat Tom Harley is now the Swans' football manager.

The Cats will need to gain a lift somewhere because the Swans have won three of their past four encounters by an average of 64 points, the most recent being a 38-point victory at Simonds Stadium in round 16.

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After a week-one hiccup against the Giants, the Swans bounced back impressively with an 36-point win over Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday night. 

Sentimentally at least, the biggest clash of the weekend will be the AFL's first preliminary final in the twilight timeslot between Greater Western Sydney and the irrepressible Western Bulldogs at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

Either way, the winner will emerge as a fairytale grand finalist, with Giants aiming to make the Grand Final in their first finals campaign, while the Dogs hope to become the first team to qualify for the big one after finishing the home and away season in seventh place.

The Bulldogs were brilliant in disposing of three-time reigning premier Hawthorn on Friday night at the MCG, with star youngster Marcus Bontempelli leading the way. 

The Giants and Dogs have met just once this season, with their first clash at Spotless Stadium in round nine resulting in a 25-point victory to GWS.

Week three finals fixture (all times local)

Friday September 23, MCG, 7.50pm
Geelong v Sydney Swans (second preliminary final)

Saturday September 24, Spotless Stadium, 5.15pm
Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs (first preliminary final)