DECLAN Keilty has had to take the long road to the AFL, but after 64 VFL games with the Casey Demons, he will finally make his senior debut on Saturday afternoon.

Keilty has received the late call up for Melbourne’s Round 7 clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, seeking his opportunity as Tim Smith has been ruled out with back soreness.

The 23-year-old becomes the fifth current Melbourne player to play for the club after being recruited from Casey, joining Bayley Fritsch, Jay Lockhart, Tim Smith and Corey Wagner on that list.

The versatile key position player was recruited to the red and blue via the 2017 Rookie Draft and has since proved his value at both ends of the field.

At 194cm, Keilty has spent the start of 2019 playing forward in the VFL, booting two goals against the Tigers last weekend.

With a strong pair of hands, Keilty will be a good target inside 50 for the Dees and will offer his support as a back-up ruckman.