Forward Nick Davis was also named to return to the side, replacing the suspended Barry Hall.
Senior coach Paul Roos said Smith's speed will be a valuable asset against Geelong.
“So it's just really match ups giving a tall away for a medium because they have Kelly Johnson, Bartel and such who rotate through the forward line.”
Roos said Luke Brennan was unlucky to miss out, after playing well against West Coast.
Sydney Swans vs. Geelong Cats
Saturday 17th April, 2.10 PM
Skilled Stadium
Sydney Swans
B: Kennelly, Barry, Mattner.
HF: O’Keefe, Roberts-Thomson, J Bolton.
F: Ablett, O'Loughlin, Barlow
FOL: Jolly, Goodes, Moore.
INT: Bevan, Bird, Davis, Smith
EMG: Brennan, Mathews, While
IN: Nick Smith, Nick Davis
OUT: Barry Hall (Susp.), Luke Brennan
Milestones: Nick Smith (Debut- elevated from Rookie List)
Geelong Cats
B: Harley, Scarlett, Hunt
HB: Milburn, Rooke, Enright
C: Ling, Selwood, Bartel
HF: Johnson, Mooney, Chapman
F: Kelly, Hawkins, Stokes
FOL: Blake, Ablett, Corey
INT: West, Mackie, Prismall, Wojcinski
EMG: Taylor, Byrnes, Hogan.
IN: Mackie, Prismall
OUT: Gamble, Taylor