HAWTHORN will face Adelaide without skipper and 2008 Norm Smith medallist Luke Hodge for Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG.

Hodge will miss due to gastro with defender Thomas Murphy coming into the side.

Hodge began to feel slightly unwell on Thursday evening but was able to train on Friday.

However his condition deteriorated from late on Friday and although the doctors gave him until as late as possible on Saturday to recover he was eventually ruled out.

The 28-year-old is reported not to have travelled to the MCG, instead staying at home to recuperate.  

Hodge has had an injury-interrupted season, only playing two games until returning in round 18 however he had not missed a game since, playing seven consecutive games leading into the preliminary final.

Hodge was a brilliant performer in the 2007 elimination final, the Hawks most recent final against Adelaide.

He has played in 10 finals, including two preliminary finals.