GRIFFITH has made a whopping seven changes for Sunday's showdown with Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong as it prepares for a crack at the Lions' top-five spot.

The Swans have not played finals football since 2006 and only a win against the Lions at Ganmain Sportsground on Sunday will keep their hopes alive.

Griffith will welcome back coach Brandon Mathews, Team of the Century member Mick Duncan and prized recruit Josh Hamilton among a host of changes from last week's horrific loss to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

Brett Owen will come in for his first senior game in a few years, while Trevor Richards, James Fallon and talented youngster Luke Shannon rounds out the quality list of inclusions.

Two-time Jim Quinn Medallist Guy Orton will play despite concerns of a shoulder injury, while giant ruckman Michael Griffiths has also brushed aside injury concerns to be named fit to play.

Mathews said last week's 143-point loss to MCUE is long forgotten as the Swans prepare for a do-or-die clash against the RFL heavyweight.

"We're pretty much full-strength," Mathews said.

"There is only Tom West and Richard Malone still unavailable, but this is probably one of the strongest teams we've had for the year.

"We get a few guys back which is pretty good.

"We'll give it a crack and see how we go."

Mathews believes the fitness of Griffiths in the ruck will help after he struggled with injury against the Goannas last week.

"Griffo only played a quarter and a bit last week," he said.

"A full game out of Griffo this week will make a big difference."

A win against GGGM will keep Griffith in the race, but certainly does not guarantee it fifth spot.

The Swans will then have to beat Narrandera next week, make up significant percentage and rely on the Lions losing to MCUE and Wagga Tigers.

Griffith has endured some near misses on finals since 2006.

The Swans have finished sixth twice and seventh on three occasions.

Meantime, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong legend Christen McPherson could be a surprise starter for the Lions.

McPherson has been named as one of GGGM's three emergencies for the Griffith game.

McPherson has played three reserve grade games this season for the Lions.

It would be his first senior apperance since going down with a knee injury in the final game of the 2012 season.

In other selection news, Nick McCormack will make his senior debut for Wagga Tigers in the big game against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes at Robertson Oval on Saturday.

The Goannas will be without Mitch Daniher and Andrew Dickins.