Dogs, Demons make changes for AFL opener

But the 2016 premiership player was named when teams were announced on Tuesday.

Bulldogs coach Beveridge bristled when questioned about Hunter's availability on Tuesday, but the former vice-captain has been replaced in their starting-22 by Hayden Crozier.

Veteran ruckman Stefan Martin was also a late out, with defender Ryan Gardner coming into the team.

Melbourne have also tinkered with their team, with All-Australian defender Jake Lever replaced by Adam Tomlinson for his first game since round-seven last year.

Tomlinson has made a quicker-than-expected return from an ACL injury.