STAR midfielder Sam Mitchell will miss today's clash with the Lions.

Mitchell did not fly to Launceston with the team on Friday, and will miss due to illness.

Hawks Coach Alastair Clarkson said yesterday he considered it unlikely Mitchell would play, and the veteran was not able to recover in time.

First-year Hawk Daniel Howe comes in for Mitchell, and will play his first full game for Hawthorn.

Howe had started as the substitute in his first two AFL matches.

Billy Hartung will start as the sub against the Lions.