MELBOURNE key forward Tom McDonald is a late withdrawal for his side's clash with Sydney after succumbing to ankle soreness.

McDonald missed the Dees' shock defeat to Fremantle last week with an ankle injury and was recalled to the side on Thursday evening.

However, the 29-year-old was pulled from the side at the 11th hour, which has opened up the door for veteran forward Mitch Brown to play his first game since round five in 2021.

Meanwhile, Sydney will go in as selected earlier this week.

Melbourne v Sydney at the MCG, 7.25pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Melbourne: Tom McDonald (ankle soreness) replaced in selected side by Mitch Brown

MEDICAL SUBS
Melbourne: Toby Bedford
Sydney: Ben Ronke

DEES v SWANS Follow it live

Gold Coast v North Melbourne at TIO Stadium, 4.05pm ACST

NO LATE CHANGES

MEDICAL SUBS
Gold Coast: Jeremy Sharp
North Melbourne: Atu Bosenavulagi

SUNS v ROOS Follow it live

Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval, 1.15pm ACST

LATE CHANGES
Adelaide: None
West Coast: Jeremy McGovern replaced in selected side by Luke Foley

MEDICAL SUBS
Adelaide: Harry Schoenberg
West Coast: Patrick Naish

CROWS v EAGLES Follow it live