One of the feel-good footy stories of 2016 has taken a shattering turn.
Geelong's Daniel Menzel will miss Friday night's preliminary final with a groin injury.
Menzel, who has undergone four knee reconstructions, now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot in the side if the Cats progress to the grand final.
Tom Ruggles was omitted by Geelong, with Lachie Henderson and Jed Bews returning.
Kurt Tippett and Zak Jones were Sydney's inclusions at the expense of Toby Nankervis and Jarrad McVeigh.
The Western Bulldogs sprung a major surprise ahead of their preliminary final clash with Greater Western Sydney, with Matthew Suckling (Achilles) making way for Fletcher Roberts.
