Geelong skipper Joel Selwood has declared the Cats can "ride the wave" should they get over Sydney in Friday night's cut-throat final at the MCG.

The Swans set up a rematch of last year's preliminary final with a 65-point thumping of Essendon in an elimination final at the SCG on Saturday.

Hello skipper: Joel Selwood and Trent Cotchin. Credit:Wayne Ludbey

Lance Franklin, who finished on the bench with a corked thigh, booted four goals, Callum Sinclair and Dean Towers added three apiece and skipper Josh Kennedy, overlooked for All-Australian selection, was superb in the midfield as the Swans reinforced why they are a legitimate premiership threat despite having finished sixth on the ladder.

They have won 15 of the past 17 matches, losing to Hawthorn twice in a surge which began having lost their opening six matches of the season.