Rodd, who has only played four reserves games throughout an injury-interrupted season, has the senior call-up for the Swans’ biggest game in years.

His inclusion comes as a shining light for Ballarat, which lost key players Luke Brennan (injured back) and Sam Caldow (suspension) during the week.

Rodd, who spent the season on the North Ballarat Roosters list, has been named on the half-back flank, with Zane Thompson also coming into the side at half-back.

The agile backman has not actually played a senior game since round 10, 2013, struck down last year with hip and groin injuries.

After recovering this season, he split the webbing in his hand in his return in the reserves against Sebastopol.

However, he was named among the best in the Ballarat’s reserves win against Bacchus Marsh last week.

Meanwhile, Bungaree speedster Mitch Bruns’ season appears over.

Scans have revealed Bruns, named on half-back in the 2014 Central Highlands Football League team of the season, has a grade two tear in his hamstring, which he sustained in the Demons’ semi final win over Buninyong last Saturday.

The win booked a preliminary final showdown with Gordon at Learmonth on Saturday.

Bungaree coach Greg Middleton told The Courier Bruns was still exploring options for a return should the Demons reach the grand final  but admitted that it was “very unlikely” that he would play again this season.