MELBOURNE forwards Kysaiah 'Kozzy' Pickett and Charlie Spargo are the latest footballers to be suspended for breaching the AFL's strict COVID-19 protocols.

Pickett received a one-game ban and will miss Saturday's clash with Carlton after initially being named, while Spargo was an emergency but is out for the next two matches, including the round three match against Essendon.

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The breach occurred when the pair travelled by Uber to an unauthorised house for a non-essential gathering.

Alex Neal-Bullen, who was originally dropped after playing in round one, comes into the Demons' 22 at Pickett's expense, while Corey Wagner now joins demoted All-Australian Michael Hibberd, James Jordon and Sam Weideman as an emergency.

Melbourne self-reported Pickett's and Spargo's actions to the AFL, following the one-game suspensions issued this week to Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines and Essendon's Brandon Zerk-Thatcher for similar infringements.

"We know how important these protocols are and the social licence that we have been granted to be able to train and play AFL," Melbourne football boss Josh Mahoney said. 

"As a club, we reported the breach to the AFL integrity department, who then completed their investigation, resulting in their suspensions.

"The two players attended a non-essential gathering and travelled via Uber, which is a clear breach. Both Charlie and 'Kozzy' acknowledged that they knew the rules, admitted their mistake and openly participated with the AFL investigation.

"On the whole, our players and staff have been compliant to the strict measures. However, on this occasion, there has been a clear breach against the AFL protocols, and we accept the sanctions."

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said it was important that players adhered to the protocols.
 
“While the club reported the matter and the players were remorseful for their actions, all players and match-day officials need to abide by the protocols and as a result Pickett and Spargo will be suspended for one and two weeks, respectively,” Dillon said.

Pickett, a first-round draft pick last year, made his AFL debut in round one against West Coast, while Spargo is in his third season on Melbourne's list and also played in the season opener.

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Both Wines and Zerk-Thatcher broke the AFL rules on living arrangements, with the former conducting a media interview at his home.

The AFL put a strict set of guidelines in place – tougher than what the general public must adhere to – in order to get the season going again.