North Melbourne’s Matt Whitlock is set to make his AFL debut on Saturday night against the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium.

He learned he would play his first AFL game during Thursday afternoon’s team meeting with a video message from his twin brother and Port Adelaide player, Jack.

Hailing from Shepparton in country Victoria, Whitlock was selected from the Murray Bushrangers with North Melbourne’s second pick, and No.27 overall, in the 2024 AFL Draft.

The 18-year-old, who stands at 197cm, caught recruiters' attention with his clean hands, athleticism, and ability to play at both ends of the ground.

Whitlock’s first AFL game comes after another strong performance in the VFL last weekend, which saw him gather 27 disposals, nine intercepts and seven marks in the Roos’ nine-point loss to the Box Hill Hawks.

He will be the third Roo to make his AFL debut this season, joining Round 1 debutants Finn O’Sullivan and Jacob Konstanty.