MELBOURNE football operations manager Ross Monaghan has said debutant Stefan Martin could line up on Jonathan Brown for the club's clash against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday at the MCG.

The 21 year-old, who was selected with the club’s first round selection in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, was particularly impressive in Sandringham’s meeting with Port Melbourne last weekend in the VFL, a performance that earned him his senior debut.

“It’s a possibility (that he'll play on Brown). He’s certainly big enough to do it and he’s got the right temperament," he said on Friday night.

"Let’s just hope Jonathan Brown doesn’t get off the leash, but Stef might find himself there, there’s no question about that,” Monaghan said.

Monaghan took the time to praise the 198cm former basketballer’s progress.

“We’ve been ecstatic with Stef. He’s improved in leaps and bounds. He’s a big bodied, exciting, athletic player who’s still learning the game," he said of the young defender.

"He didn’t play much until the last couple of years but we’re really pleased to have him in the side.”

Less fortunate at the selection table was veteran ruckman Jeff White, who lost his place in the team, with Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson favoured.

Monaghan said that while White was disappointed to be omitted, he had shown a fantastic attitude when he was given the news.

“Typical of Jeff’s professional manner, the first thing he wanted to know was what the arrangements would be for his involvement with Sandringham - when he needed to train, when he needed to be there, what he needed to do - and he’s gone down there tonight to introduce himself to his teammates which is a fantastic attitude.”

Monaghan admitted that White’s omission was less about his poor form and more about the impressive performances of the other ruckmen on the Dees’ list.

“It’s not as though he’s been in terrible form. But there’s been a big improvement in Mark Jamar, Paul Johnson and John Meesen and Jake Spencer with Sandringham, so there’s genuine competition between all of those big fellas," he said.

"This week against Brisbane - the body strength of Jamie Charman - the decision was made to go with Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson."

Co-captain James McDonald will also miss, and Monaghan said 31-year-old had been battling over the past few weeks with a range of injuries and it was an good time to rest the midfielder with the break because of the split round.