Melbourne key defender Steven May has been named as a late out due to illness ahead of the Demons-Kangaroos clash at the MCG on Sunday. He will be replaced by veteran defender Tom McDonald, who makes his return to the senior level for the first time since Round 10.

May's withdrawal due to illness will mean he misses his fourth game of the season, forcing the Dees to re-juggle their back six lineup again. May missed the first two weeks of the season with a fractured larynx and then was unavailable in Melbourne's Round 6 win over Fremantle, unable to get through a fitness test for selection while dealing with a foot concern.

McDonald featured in the first 10 games of the season but was omitted after the Dees win over Brisbane. Caleb Windsor has also been selected this week, his first game since the bye, with Harry Sharp omitted in his place.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Steven May of the Demons in action during the 2022 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 2, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne have also been forced to make several changes for this fixture, with injuries sustained to Luke Davies-Uniacke (concussion) and Nick Larkey (knee) last week against the Bulldogs. However, veterans Luke Parker and Jack Darling will return from their brief stints on the sideline, and Charlie Comben will replace the omitted Zane Duursma.

Melbourne vs North Melbourne begins at 1:10pm (AEST) on Sunday.