Richmond star Brett Deledio is out of the big AFL match against Adelaide because of illness.

The Tigers confirmed on Friday afternoon the utility was a late withdrawal.

Deledio did not train earlier this week because of the ‘flu and also did not travel with the team to Adelaide.

He starred in last week’s upset win over Hawthorn, kicking four goals.

North Melbourne defender Lachie Hansen will play in the AFL for the first time since round 14 when the Kangaroos take on Melbourne this Sunday at the MCG.

Hansen has been sidelined with a hip injury.

The Kangaroos also recalled Robin Nahas and Aaron Mullett for Michael Firrito (suspended), Ryan Bastinac and Kayne Turner.

Melbourne’s Aaron Vandenberg has an ankle injury and Matt Jones will take his place.

Jonathon Patton leads six GWS inclusions for Sunday’s home game against Essendon.

Patton has overcome a second knee reconstruction to finally make his AFL comeback.

Rhys Palmer, Devon Smith, Cam McCarthy, Nick Haynes and Andrew Phillips will also return for Matt Buntine (concussion), Jed Lamb, Adam Tomlinson, James Stewart, Jack Steele and Tom Downie.

Essendon midfielder Heath Hocking will play his first senior game this season.

Courtenay Dempsey, Ben Howlett and Shaun Edwards were also recalled, with Zach Merrett potentially missing the rest of the season because of a foot injury.

The floundering Bombers dropped Jake Melksham, Alex Browne and Paddy Ambrose.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt will return from his calf muscle troubles for the Etihad Stadium match on Sunday against Fremantle.

Sam Gilbert, Seb Ross, Nathan Wright, Blake Acres and Jack Lonie are also back in the team.

Jimmy Webster (groin), Billy Longer (soreness), Luke Dunstan (soreness), Tim Membrey and Eli Templeton made way for them.

Zac Dawson’s suspension means Alex Silvagni is back in the Fremantle team.