MELBOURNE'S leadership group has suspended forward Colin Sylvia for Saturday's NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs at Casey Fields.

A statement released by the club said that: "Colin breached team expectations by being out late on Sunday evening.

"This failed to meet the standard of behaviour in relation to post-game recovery and rehabilitation."

Sylvia, 23, had otherwise started the year well and was his side's best player in its loss to the Sydney Swans at Visy Park two weeks ago.

He will line up in VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions' intra-club match on Thursday evening.

In March last year, Melbourne fined Sylvia $5000 and suspended him from its season opener against Hawthorn for missing a curfew and failing to attend training.

He was also penalised by the club in early 2006 and forced to undergo an alcohol awareness program.

Sylvia was selected by the Demons at No. 3 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft and has played 70 games.

Last season was the most promising of his career to date.

Dream Team watch – Colin Sylvia is rated a $367,000 forward/midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009