THREE days out from its clash against Sydney, Melbourne has named its extended line-up for Round 3.

The Dees have selected 26 players in the Sunday squad, including an exciting addition with Jacob van Rooyen set to make his AFL debut.

Van Rooyen, who was drafted to the club at the end of 2021, was told the news during Thursday morning’s team meeting.

The top-level opportunity comes after an impressive first year at the club, where the youngster booted a whopping 36 goals across the VFL season.

Melbourne’s back line will be bolstered by Demon Steven May, who will add further experience to the defence, as they prepare to take on a star-studded Sydney forward line.

May makes his return from a minor calf injury that saw him miss the first two rounds of the 2023 season.

Alongside van Rooyen and May are four additions to the squad in Bailey Laurie, Michael Hibberd, Luke Dunstan and James Jordon.

Adam Tomlinson has been omitted from the Sunday side while James Harmes has been ruled out for personal leave.

Another notable omission is captain Max Gawn who has been sidelined for four to six weeks due to a knee injury sustained during last week’s match against Brisbane.

The home side will be looking to bounce back from their Round 2 loss at the hands of the Lions, with coach Simon Goodwin addressing the need to make change ahead of the clash.

“We’re getting a clearer picture of what we need to get better at against the Swans,” Goodwin said.

“We’ve played them a few times in recent years where they have had some success against us.

“So, we’re under no illusions that we need to make some changes and really take the game to them, on both sides of the ball.

“We know we need to change, we know we need to get better, they have had the wood on us but that’s the great thing about AFL footy, we get a chance to go after the opposition and really set the scene against them.”

Fans are encouraged to get down to the ‘G on Sunday afternoon for the clash, with the family-friendly timeslot of 3:20pm (AEST).