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This time last year Kade Chandler was working as a window cleaner, but on Friday night the 19-year-old will make his AFL debut for Melbourne against Sydney.

From washing windows to playing football at the home of AFL, it's been a thrilling ride for Melbourne rookie Kade Chandler.

The 19-year-old small forward will make his AFL debut against Sydney at the MCG on Friday night after spending parts of 2018 working for a window cleaning company while playing for Norwood in the SANFL's under-18s.

Chandler was selected by the Demons with pick No.14 in the 2018 rookie draft and was promoted off the rookie list on Thursday.

"It's always a dream to be able to debut for an AFL club and there's not a better way to do it than a Friday night," Chandler told Melbourne's website.

"(Coach Simon Goodwin) rang me in the car. I had to pull over and sat there for about five minutes after I heard - I just couldn't believe it.

"Obviously we've been riddled with injuries this year, so I thought if I could play some consistent footy, then I'd hopefully get my opportunity."

Chandler stands just 173cm tall, he but averaged six tackles per game in South Australia's successful under-18 national championships campaign last year.

This included an eye-catching 12-tackle performance against Vic Country on the Adelaide Oval.

"He's full of spirit and energy and is looking forward to playing his first game," Goodwin said.

Chandler was one of five inclusions, joining Marty Hore, Billy Stretch, Charlie Spargo and Alex Neal-Bullen in the line-up.

Steven May, Harrison Petty and Oscar McDonald are injured, while Jayden Hunt and Oskar Baker were dropped from the side defeated by Collingwood.

The Swans have brought back veteran Kieren Jack to replace the injured Zak Jones.