Lifelong Melbourne supporter Jack Grimes will become the Demons' seventh debutant of the season when he runs out against Richmond on Sunday.
As the club farewells stalwarts Jeff White and Adem Yze - and is expected to delist Nathan Carroll and big man Ben Holland - Dean Bailey's youth plan continues with the introduction of Grimes.
The 18-year-old is a defender/midfielder who captained the Northern Knights in last year's TAC Cup competition.
A back injury prevented him from joining Stef Martin, Addam Maric, Cale Morton, Shane Valenti, Isaac Weetra and Austin Wonaeamirri as first-gamers this year any earlier than the Round 22 clash with the Tigers at the MCG.
Bailey gave the youngster the nod on Thursday and expects big things from the No.14 selection in last year's National Draft.
"He's a young man who has worked incredibly hard to overcome some setbacks earlier in the year," he said.
"This will be the first of at least 100 games I have told him he's got to play for Melbourne. I am really looking forward to seeing him run out and play."
"He's going to bring some excitement to the Melbourne Footy Club."
Already touted as a future leader, Grimes said his selection for the final-round clash was welcome after a tough year on the injury list and in the VFL.
"It's pretty exciting for me to play for the club I have barracked for my whole life," he said on Thursday at the Junction Oval.
"It's like a dream come true really."
Grimes is the player Melbourne took with the selection acquired from Brisbane for former No.1 pick Travis Johnstone.
The 187cm on-baller said he was not feeling added expectation wearing Johnstone's number and being his 'replacement'.
"Nobody really spoke about that too much. I haven't worn his number yet out on the ground but it might be a little bit different on the weekend," Grimes said.
"Everyone has just said I am lucky to be wearing his number. Nobody has spoken about the pressure of it."
Grimes acknowledged the twist of fate that sees his debut come on the same day White and Yze pull on the red and blue jumper for the last time.
"I grew up having posters of them on my wall and now my little brother has moved into my old room and he has got their posters up on his wall," Grimes revealed.
"It is pretty weird playing with people I have grown up idolising but it's also exciting. It's a big day for them too, it's good to be a part of it."