SAM Weideman is set to make his debut for Melbourne against Hawthorn on Saturday after being told of his inclusion on Thursday morning.
The 19-year-old showed strong form in the VFL last week with three goals for Casey against Coburg to bring his tally for the season to 20.
The grandson of Collingwood premiership player Murray Weideman and son of former Magpie Mark was selection No.9 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
The Demons were happy to be patient with him after stress fractures to his foot interrupted Weideman's final TAC Cup season.
Demons coach Paul Roos pulled Weideman aside in the gym and told him the good news, with teammate Christian Petracca congratulating his teammate instantly.
Roos said Weideman had earned his selection.
"We've really tried to make the players earn their spots over the last three years, so he is one that we have been thinking about for a little while," Roos said.
"His game last week was exceptional in the VFL, so he comes in in really good form and obviously he'll need to be. He's playing against a very good team."
Weideman will be the second-last player from the top 10 of last year's draft to make his debut this season (Carlton's Harry McKay is the outlier) and the fifth Demon, joining Jayden Hunt, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Josh Wagner as Melbourne debutants in 2016.
Roos said Weideman had made a great impression since joining the club.
"He is a high quality kid. Obviously he grew up around footy so he has an understanding of expectations and training," Roos said.
"As a player, he really flies at the ball. He's a real competitor and he marks at its highest point, which is a really good trait to have."
