Geelong have made a late change ahead of their clash with North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Lincoln McCarthy has been withdrawn from the side, and will be replaced in the 22 by James Parsons.

During the week, Cats coach Chris Scott told the media McCarthy might be rested at some stage over the coming weeks, after recently returning from a long-term injury layoff.

McCarthy played his first AFL match of the season in Geelong's big win over the Gold Coast last weekend, while Parsons comes in for his first game since their round nine loss to Essendon.

North Melbourne will enter the clash as named.