The Cats included Max Holmes in their unchanged team for the premiership decider despite the winger battling a hamstring injury.

The Swans dumped 20-year-old McDonald, who has kicked just one goal from 10 disposals in his side's two finals victories en route to Saturday's premiership decider.

Sydney recalled tall attacker Hayden McLean, who hasn't featured in AFL ranks since round eight.

The Swans named Reid despite the 30-year-old being troubled by a groin strain.

Sydney's Justin McInerney was also included in the side with the winger overcoming an ankle sprain suffered in the preliminary final.

Sydney swingman Reid, who offers ruck support in addition to his key forward role, and Geelong's 20-year-old Holmes are expected to face last-gasp fitness tests to determine if they play in the MCG finale.

Reid was understood to be on light duties at Sydney's closed training session on Thursday.

Should the veteran fail to prove his fitness, it's likely McDonald will earn a reprieve with the young West Australian named as an emergency along with Braeden Campbell, Harry Cunningham and Will Gould.

"We've been confident all week," Swans assistant coach Jarrad McVeigh said of Reid's chances before Thursday's training.

"He was a bit sore throughout the game so we didn't want to take any risks.

"He has played in a few grand finals before so he understands the week and the pressure that comes with it all.

"Obviously you want to be flying 100 per cent but he has recovered really well and we're really happy with the way he has progressed."

Reid and Luke Parker are the only remaining Swans from their last premiership in 2012.

Geelong will likely delay a final decision until match-day on Holmes, who has cemented his spot this season, playing 18 games.

The Cats named Brandan Parfitt, Mark O'Connor, Sam Menegola and Jonathon Ceglar as their emergencies.

Australian Associated Press