Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan will make his much-anticipated AFL debut in the Demons' season-opening clash against Gold Coast.
Hogan, 20, arrived at the club via the GWS mini-draft amid much fanfare only to have his first AFL season ruined by a serious back complaint.
But coach Paul Roos said on Monday the imposing key forward had done enough to earn a spot in the team to take on the Suns at the MCG on Saturday.
"I can confirm that (he'll debut) provided he gets through training this week," Roos said.
"Jesse's done enough. He had a good pre-season and he played pretty consistently throughout the three (NAB Challenge) games, so we'd expect him to play this week."
The Demons sent picks 3 and 13 to the Giants for the right to acquire the Western Australian at the end of 2012 and received pick 20 and Dom Barry, who is no longer in the league, in return.
Much is expected of the talented youngster after a promising VFL apprenticeship in 2013, but Roos is confident Hogan can handle the intense interest in his development.
"As long as your players know what your own expectations are," he said.
"Everyone understands how the media works and at this club I think the players understand internally - which is more important - the expectations (we place on them).
"Whether you're pick one or pick 25 in the rookie draft, the expectations are exactly the same."
Roos said Bernie Vince and Jeremy Howe were good chances to play after overcoming hamstring injuries, with impressive rookie Aaron vandenBerg and No.3 draft pick Angus Brayshaw also in the selection mix.
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