The Hawthorn skipper is understood to have began feeling ill on Thursday, and reportedly needed treatment on a IV drip.
Grundy feels the groove
Adding to the drama, Hodge's wife Lauren is expected to give birth in the coming days, but the skipper has already told his teammates he won't miss the match.
"I think his response is 'she's got a great family,' I think he'll be there," midfielder Xavier Ellis told reporters on Sunday.
Ellis said he wasn't certain when the baby was due.
"I don't know, she's pretty big," he joked.
Click here for Grand Final ticket information
Coach Alastair Clarkson didn't tell the Hawks players they'd be without their captain until the final warm-up.
"We turned up to the game yesterday not knowing he wasn't playing," Ellis said.
"We haven't seen him since Friday, last skills session, which he completed no dramas."
Hawks must improve: Franklin
Injured defender Brent Guerra has until Tuesday to prove his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in the final round of the home and away season.
Guerra ran laps at Hawthorn's recovery on Sunday.
Another hamstring victim, Ben McGlynn, also faces a test to prove his fitness early in the week.
Breust does his bit
Both Guerra and McGlynn are seen as only outside chances. McGlynn is believed to be a slightly better chance.
Swans defender Ted Richards should be ok, despite hurting his ankle against the Pies, while ruckman Shane Mumford faces a nervous wait after umpires are believed to have lodged a report that he interfered with the injured knee of Magpie Chris Dawes on Friday night.
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL