Dangerfield has been withdrawn because of calf tightness, replaced by Luke Dahlhaus.
The 32-year-old battled calf issues earlier in the season, managing just three games between rounds five and 16.
The very late change comes after the Cats already made two other tweaks to their selected side, opting to back in Rhys Stanley as their lead ruckman.
Versatile tall Mark Blicavs (managed) is out of the side, while ruckman Jon Ceglar, who played his first game for Geelong last week, has been moved into the substitute role.
As hinted at by coach Chris Scott during the week, Sam Menegola and Zach Tuohy have been called into the starting 22 at GMHBA Stadium.
Hard-running midfielder Menegola returns from a knee injury and defender Tuohy is back after a week in virus protocols.
Stanley is also back from a knee injury to take on Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall.
Scott said this week the ladder-leading Cats are still experimenting with their ruck set-up since former Hawthorn ruckman Ceglar recovered from a foot injury last month.
"Stanley comes in and we're keen to see Ceglar get some more exposure at AFL level before the finals but we're just still a little undecided as to exactly how that's going to look," Scott said on Friday.
"We're very open-minded to the two of them playing in the same team, that's definitely on the table."
Geelong can take a big step towards the minor premiership with a win over St Kilda, who are fighting to stay in the top eight.
The Saints, who go into the clash as named with Zak Jones as their sub, were the last team to beat the Cats in 10-point triumph at Marvel Stadium in round nine.