MELBOURNE has made the call to take on the Lions with two established ruckmen as trade acquisition Max Heath makes his club debut against Brisbane.
Heath arrived at Melbourne during last year’s offseason in exchange for a future fourth round selection, giving the Demons valuable ruck depth behind club captain Max Gawn.
Standing at 204cm, Heath will be playing his fifth overall AFL match, having played Rounds 19 to 23 last year for the Saints.
The 22-year-old is a strong mark of the football and cuts an imposing figure out on ground, kicking eight goals from 10 VFL matches last season spending time between ruck and forward.
VFL coach Rhett McLennan was glowing in his praise of the young ruck after Casey’s last official VFL outing against Box Hill, which was bookended by a match-saving mark by the new Demon.
“Max has been awesome. He’s probably been our best on ground in each of our first four matches,” McLennan said.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more. His ruck work has been fantastic, and he’s providing a real presence down the line as well.
Heath joins debutant Xavier Taylor as confirmed selections for Sunday’s game.
Sunday’s match is the club’s annual Jim’s Game, a clash that celebrates all things Irish in honour of the late Jim Stynes.
Grab your tickets for the Irish party here.
