It means Mark Jamar, John Meesen, rookie Jake Spencer, plus forward/ruckman Paul Johnson, will now carry the load this season.
For Jamar in particular it is an opportunity he is relishing after playing second-fiddle to White, who finished with 236 Melbourne matches to his name – seventh overall in the club's history – and 268 AFL games.
But the likeable 25-year-old, affectionately known as 'Russian', is realistic enough to know that with this opportunity comes increased expectation.
"It's a very, very big year for me. I need to show the club and the footy world that I want the No.1 spot and I do," Jamar told melbournefc.com.au.
"I've done everything over the off-season, over Christmas and before Christmas – everything to give myself the best opportunity of playing footy. I'm looking forward to being part of a more successful team this year."
White's absence has also resulted in a change in mindset for Jamar.
"[I'm] definitely approaching it differently because, before, I never saw myself being able to be the No.1 ruckman. Last year I definitely got some confidence from playing some OK footy at some stages – it wasn't consistent, but there were a few glimpses," he said.
"I knew I could do it and I got more belief in myself, so I'm leaving no stone unturned. I just want to get all of the training in, all of the strength, all of the football sessions, all of the kicking sessions and all of the educational sessions that 'Bails' is right in to.
"So it's really exciting, because you're learning more and you can see your improvement when you get tested, so hopefully it'll be a good year."
Although rookie ruckman Jake Spencer is placing increased pressure on Jamar and Meesen, the South Australian says competition is imperative to Melbourne's overall long-term success.
"Because we're all competing [in the ruck], you become really good mates, because you're all in the same situation and you're all training together everyday," Jamar said.
"When they pull the rucks aside to do drills, we're all encouraging each other and it makes you a better player because you never get comfortable.
"If you don't perform, someone else will take your spot and you just can't afford to let any of that get in the way
“It makes for a more competitive environment and everyone stronger, as players and people, for the experience."
