MELBOURNE forward Jeff Garlett will miss Sunday's clash against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena due to an ankle injury.

AFL.com.au reported on Wednesday that Garlett was under an injury cloud after rolling his ankle at training.

But Demons' elite performance manager, Dave Misson refuted the reports: "Despite reports on AFL.com.au, he will absolutely, definitely play on Sunday and will most probably train on Friday with the group."

"It's really nothing serious and he’s in no doubt whatsoever."

Garlett was restricted to walking laps at training on Friday, failing to get through the club's final main training session before Sunday.

He had scans after training on Friday which revealed a sprain higher up the ankle than first thought.

The Demons remain hopeful the small forward will be fit to take on Collingwood in round four.

"Jeff tried to train today (Friday), but he was unable to get through the session and we made a decision not to play him this week in the hope that he'll recover and be ready for next week's game against Collingwood," Josh Mahoney said on the club's website.

Garlett has kicked an equal team-high four goals, alongside Jesse Hogan, in the first two rounds of the season and will be a big loss for the Demons.

Melbourne has also included veteran Lynden Dunn for his first game of the season, while they have also recalled key forward Sam Frost.

Josh Wagner will make his debut for the Demons, after being elevated off the rookie list during the week.

Billy Stretch also comes into the team for his first match of the year.

Colin Garland, Cam Pedersen and Angus Brayshaw join Garlett as the other omissions from Melbourne's team.

The Roos have made one change with Scott Thompson replacing Lachlan Hansen.