MELBOURNE has selected Xavier Lindsay to come into its Round 24 side following the the club's unsuccessful visit to the AFL Appeals Board.

With Jacob van Rooyen now confirmed to miss the next three weeks of action, Lindsay is the late addition to Saturday's team.

The selection No.11 in the 2024 National Draft played the first five matches of 2026 before groin soreness derailed his season, with the crafty utility only returning via the VFL two rounds ago.

Lindsay sparkled on return, amassing 22 disposals and kicking a goal across just three quarters of play.

The Gippsland product backed that up with 25 disposals and another goal against the Box Hill Hawks last weekend. 

Jake Melksham has been added to the squad as an emergency.