KEY forward Sam Weideman will make his AFL debut after being named in Melbourne’s 22 for Saturday’s clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Coach Paul Roos confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon.

“We’ve been a little bit cautious with him this year. At the start of the year, with injuries in the TAC Cup, we thought we mightn’t have seen him playing seniors [in 2016],” he told Melbourne TV.

“But we’ve managed him really well this year and he’s come off his best game last week – he had a terrific game – and he’s played a lot of footy and been managed really well.

“He’s got himself in some good form, so it’s pretty exciting.”

Weideman, who was the ninth player selected in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, has impressed for Casey this year, playing 11 matches and kicking 20 goals.

Last Saturday, he kicked three goals in Casey’s convincing win over Coburg at Piranha Park.

In his first VFL match for the season, he booted four goals for the Scorpions in its comprehensive victory over Frankston at Casey Fields.

Standing at 195cm, Weideman is the grandson of Collingwood great Murray and the son of former Magpie Mark.

Despite missing five months last season with a stress fracture in the ankle, Weideman has played most of the year with Casey.

He was rested for one match in late April and missed three weeks with a hip injury in late June/early July.

Originally from Vermont/Whitefriars College/Eastern Ranges, Weideman is an impressive young man who looms as an integral player for the club long-term.