HARLEY Bennell’s fairy-tale is almost complete, while Luke Jackson and Trent Rivers are set to fulfil their childhood dreams.

Wednesday morning’s session at Casey Fields finished on a high as Simon Goodwin revealed the trio would be pulling on the red and blue against Carlton this weekend.

For Bennell, the story is known.

A troubled past and a horror run with injury has restricted the former No.2 draft pick to just two games in the past four seasons, but a fresh start with Melbourne in 2020 has done him wonders.

When the Dees take to Marvel Stadium on Saturday, the 27-year-old will play his first AFL game – and 84th overall – since 2015.

The wait hasn’t been as long for Jackson and Rivers, who were recruited to the club via the 2019 National Draft.

Moving down from Western Australia, the duo have been mates since junior footy, making their joint debut one to remember.

Jackson, the third overall selection in the draft, stands at 198cm and looks to be the ultimate utility.

He will provide a target inside 50 alongside Tom McDonald, and at just 18 years of age, will be an exciting long-term prospect for the club.

Rivers’ early season debut may come as the most surprising call, but his block of training since returning from lockdown has been exceptional.

He’s a classy half-back flanker who adds an attacking edge in the defensive half of the ground and will be an asset for the Demons in Round 2.

The remainder of Melbourne’s side will be confirmed on Thursday evening in the lead up to the AFL’s return to play this weekend.