Magpies coach Mick Malthouse has opted on the side of experience for tonight's AFL preliminary final against Hawthorn.

Young players Tyson Goldsack and Alex Fasolo have been dropped in favour of All Australians Ben Reid and Dale Thomas, while star player Alan Didak is also back on board despite not having kicked a goal in the last seven games.

Malthouse defended the 200-gamer saying many other areas of his game had improved, including his possession rate and his assist for goals.

Malthouse believes Didak is going to produce 'something special' in tonight's game. 

Overall, the coach said his decision to go with the more experienced players was down to the magnitude of the game.