Melbourne have elevated a second player from their rookie list, with midfielder Shane Valenti replacing injured captain David Neitz.

Neitz was put on the AFL club's long-term injury list last month with a neck complaint.

Valenti, who starred for the Demons during the pre-season, was recruited from the club's VFL afiliate side Sandringham.

The 21-year-old is a strongly-built on-baller valued for his ability to win the contested ball.

He won the Round/Fothergill Medal last year as the best young player in the VFL.

Melbourne's first rookie elevation of the season, Austin Wonaeamirri, has already made a stunning impact in the AFL, kicking four goals against Fremantle last round to help the Demons to their first win for the year.

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