Brown was initially named in the team, but he was ruled out on Friday night with what the club says is knee soreness.
He has been replaced by Sam Weideman, whose last AFL match was in round 16.
"Ben has had some knee soreness this week and he unfortunately didn't quite get through this morning's training session," Melbourne's general mnager of performance Alan Richardson said.
"We will monitor him over the next couple of days and adjust his training load accordingly, with the hope of having him available for selection next week."
The Bulldogs have been boosted by the return of star forward Aaron Naughton, who missed last week's win over St Kilda after being forced into the health and safety protocols.
Meanwhile, St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has axed three players ahead of Sunday's clash with West Coast, but ruckman Rowan Marshall has been cleared to play after recovering from illness.
Saints midfielder Zak Jones, Tom Highmore, and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera were all cut by Ratten, while ruckman Paddy Ryder was forced out with a calf injury.
Seb Ross, Hunter Clark, Jarrod Lienert and Marcus Windhager all return to the side as the Saints attempt to keep their finals hopes alive.
Marshall missed Thursday's main training session through illness, but he has been given the green light to play.
With Ryder out injured, West Coast have opted for just the one recognised ruckman - Bailey Williams.
Emerging big Callum Jamieson was dropped after struggling with an adductor niggle last week, with defender Josh Rotham a chance to be used as the back-up ruckman after earning a recall.
GWS have made five changes for Sunday's encounter with Carlton at Marvel Stadium, with Josh Kelly (concussion), Connor Idun (broken foot), Tom Green (managed), Jesse Hogan (managed), and ruckman Matt Flynn (dropped) all going out.
Ruck duo Braydon Preuss and Kieren Briggs have been recalled, alongside Adam Kennedy, Callum Brown, and Zach Sproule.
Carlton welcome back Mitch McGovern from his hamstring injury, while Josh Honey, Lochie O'Brien and Will Setterfield have also been named in the 22.
Midfielder George Hewett (back soreness) and Will Hayes (suspension) were ruled out, while Jack Newnes and Liam Stocker were dropped.
Collingwood's bid for a ninth straight win has been boosted by the return of vice captain Taylor Adams and Isaac Quaynor for Sunday's MCG meeting with Essendon.
Trey Ruscoe and Josh Carmichael were dropped, with Essendon naming an unchanged side.
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