Melbourne AFL defender Steven May will be a late withdrawal from today’s clash with the GWS Giants, with Tom McDonald to come into the team as his replacement.

May sustained a knock to the throat during training at Casey Fields on Friday, and scans have since confirmed a fractured larynx.

General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said the club would take a cautious approach with May’s recovery.

“At this stage, our medical team does not believe the injury is as significant as what Max Gawn sustained earlier in the year,” Richardson said.

“We will assess Steven further next week, which will give us a clearer picture of the recovery timeline.”

Harvey Langford will be the medical substitute for today’s inaugural Jim’s Game at the MCG.