Melbourne will unveil defender Andy Moniz-Wakefield at the Gabba on Friday night as the young Demon makes his AFL debut against Brisbane.
The 20-year-old has been in fine form in the VFL so far this season, averaging 24.8 disposals, 5.7 marks and 3.5 tackles per game from 11 matches for Casey.
A product of the club's Next Generation Academy, Moniz-Wakefield was recruited to the Demons following the 2021 season as a category B rookie.
Initially recruited as a forward, Moniz-Wakefield has transitioned to defence as the Demons utilise his run and ball work.
Moniz-Wakefield will be the Demons' fifth debutant of 2024, following Kynan Brown, Caleb Windsor, Koltyn Tholstrup and Blake Howes, and is the club's second in as many weeks following Brown's maiden appearance against North Melbourne in Round 15.
Melbourne are in line to make at least two changes for this week's clash with the Lions, with veteran defender Jake Lever in line to return from a recent knee injury.
The premiership backman will join Moniz-Wakefield as an inclusion for Simon Goodwin this week, while defender Christian Salem is dealing with a knee issue and could make way.
Melbourne face Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday at 7:40pm (AEST).
