FIRST year player Clayton Oliver will make his debut for Melbourne against GWS Giants at the MCG on Saturday.

Paul Roos informed the 18-year-old of his selection in Melbourne’s round one team on Thursday afternoon.

Oliver, who was drafted from Murray Bushrangers with Melbourne’s first draft pick (no. 4 overall) in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, said he was thrilled by the news.

“I’m just over the moon and really happy to be selected,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I can’t wait to play with all the boys and hopefully we can get the win.”

Oliver had impressed with his ball-winning ability and strength around the contest across Melbourne’s three NAB Challenge games.

In the third game against St Kilda, the young midfielder collected 18 possessions and kicked two goals, highlighting his ability to push forward.

Roos said Oliver’s selection was a testament to the way he approached his football.

“It’s always exciting to tell [a young] player that they’re playing and particularly [with] the way he’s done it,” Roos said on Roos’ Views.

“He’s forced his way in with his actions and the way he attacks the footy – how clean he is [and] how hard he is.

“The way we want to play our football is the way ‘Clarry’ plays his footy naturally.”