HAWTHORN has erred on the side of caution, with triple premiership defender Ben Stratton a late withdrawal from the Hawks' side to face Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

Stratton, 28, was due to play his first match since round eight, but New Zealand-born Kurt Heatherley will instead play his second game of the year.

"Ben just pulled up a little bit sore after training yesterday and had some swelling in his knee, so we've decided to take a conservative approach," said Hawthorn's GM-Football Operations Jason Burt.

"It is unfortunate as Ben was really excited to return today, but it does give a great opportunity for young Kurt who takes his place in the side."