A delayed flight has sealed Stuart Dew's omission from the Hawthorn team for their AFL match this Sunday against Melbourne.

The late arrival of a flight from Sydney meant Dew was late for Thursday's training session.

It is understood the Hawks were non-plussed that he did not return on Wednesday night.

But the main reason for his omission was form, with one official describing it as "scratchy".

"It didn't help his cause that he was late to training," the official said.

In a recruiting coup, Dew came out of retirement last year and was one of the heroes of Hawthorn's upset grand final win over Geelong.

The Hawks also left out Travis Tuck, while Beau Muston will make his senior debut and Cameron Stokes returns to the side.

Melbourne made four changes, recalling Jared Rivers, Brad Green, James Frawley and Jamie Bennell for Lynden Dunn, Shane Valenti, Clint Bartram and Kyle Cheney.

Sydney brought in Nick Malceski for Brett Meredith ahead of their SCG match on Sunday against Port Adelaide.

The Power made three changes, recalling Steven Salopek, Marlon Motlop and Matthew Westhoff as Nathan Krakoeur (soreness), Jason Davenport and David Rodan went out of the side.

Unbeaten St Kilda lost Jason Gram with a thigh injury for Sunday's Etihad Stadium game against Brisbane.

Raphael Clarke is back for his second senior game this season.

The Lions have named first-gamer Aaron Cornelius and Tim Notting to replace Daniel Merrett (ankle) and Joel Patfull (jaw).

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