St Kilda has made a late change ahead of the season opener against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, with key forward Paddy McCartin replaced by Jack Lonie.

Saints GM Football Performance Jamie Cox said the club has withdrawn  McCartin from today's match due to hamstring tightness he experienced at Thursday's main training session.

"Paddy pulled up a little bit tight in his hamstring on Thursday but was cleared to play by medical staff and selected in the Round 1 side."

"We've subsequently decided to withdraw Paddy from this match and we plan to give him a run in the VFL practice match tomorrow, where we can manage the minutes he will play.

"Given it is Round 1, we weren't prepared to take any risk with Paddy."