He's in.
Melbourne have confirmed that top 2025 draftee Xavier Taylor will make his debut against Brisbane on Sunday.
The dynamic 192cm talent was taken with pick 11 at last year's draft and plays with a swagger and boldness that aligns with the high-energy style Melbourne is playing with in 2026.
Taylor finished with 15 disposals and six marks in his most recent VFL outing, before again showcasing his attributes in a scratch match on the weekend with a league-wide VFL bye due to Gather Round.
“Xavier played his best game in the red and blue," Casey Demons coach Rhett McLennan said of Taylor following that 15 disposal game.
“He took on a direct match-up on Calsher Dear and did really well. He read the ball strongly, took some intercept marks and used it well.
“It's a really positive starting point for what a future AFL role could look like.”
Taylor comes in to the side to provide defensive reinforcement with Christian Salem, Trent Rivers and Changkuoth Jiath all missing.
Melbourne coach Steven King floated the possibility of his debut at his weekly press conference earlier on Wednesday.
He joins fellow Demons first round pick Latrelle Pickett in the line-up, with the Dees looking to bounce back from a surprise loss to Essendon.
