RICHMOND has axed premiership midfielder Brandon Ellis for Thursday night's qualifying final against Hawthorn.

Ellis, who played in the Tigers' breakthrough flag last season, has been replaced by Kane Lambert, who returns from a minor ankle injury as Richmond's only change.

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The Hawks have made three changes, with emerging star James Sicily back from a wrist injury for his first game since round 17. 

Defender James Frawley has been selected as has Jonathon Ceglar, meaning the Hawks will play two ruckmen against Richmond's one-out big man Toby Nankervis.

The Hawks have cut three players for the sold-out MCG clash, with Kaiden Brand, David Mirra and Teia Miles all making way. 

Ellis was dropped after round five but worked his way back into the Tigers' line-up in round 10 and played every game for the rest of the home and away season before his shock omission on Wednesday.

Dan Butler has not been named and will not play in the VFL this weekend as the club manages his workload after an ankle injury.

Hawk Daniel Howe, who returned from suspension last week in the VFL, was not picked for the game.

Earlier on Wednesday, Alastair Clarkson cited the short five-day turnaround from the VFL game to the AFL contest as a factor that worked against Howe's chances.

Thursday, September 6

Richmond v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.20pm AEST

RICHMOND

In: K.Lambert
Out: B.Ellis

HAWTHORN

In: J.Sicily, J.Frawley, J.Ceglar
Out: K.Brand, D.Mirra, T.Miles