MELBOURNE has elevated rookie Josh Wagner and will select him to make his AFL debut against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Sunday.

It will be the Queenslander's first trip to Tasmania and he will be playing against the club his brother Corey was drafted to in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.

The 21-year-old joined the club after two seasons as a rebounding defender with Queensland club, Aspley, in the NEAFL and was impressive in the club's first two NAB Challenge games against Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

Although he struggled against St Kilda in the final NAB Challenge game he hit back hard in a practice match with Casey Scorpions last week and has been introduced into the team that had a shock loss against Essendon on Saturday.

Wagner told the club's website he was ecstatic to be selected.

"I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the whole time. I wasn't really expecting it this week, but I played a few NAB [Challenge] games and last weekend, and had a crack and it paid off," Wagner said.

"I'd say I'd just be playing in the backline, like what I've been doing all pre-season. I don't think it'll change much."