YOUNG DEMON FOLLOWS FAMILY FOOTSTEPS

MELBOURNE forward Sam Weideman will carry on a fine family tradition when he makes his finals debut against Geelong on Friday night.

The 21-year-old was plying his trade for Casey Demons in the VFL just a few weeks ago but a season-ending foot injury to Jesse Hogan has left Weideman all but certain to hold his spot for the elimination final at the MCG.

He will follow in the footsteps of his father Mark, who played 28 games for Collingwood, and grandfather Murray, who captained the Magpies’ 1958 premiership side.

“It’s pretty special,” Weideman said.

“I was speaking to both of them and both of their first finals were against Geelong as well, so that’s a pretty cool thing to have.

“They’ve both given me a lot of advice about how to approach it and how to embrace the situation. Just to take every moment as it comes and really soak it in because you’re going to get an opportunity at some stage, and just to make the most of that.

“Take in the week, take in the crowd that’ll be there supporting you and don’t take it for granted.”

A first-round draft pick in 2015, Weideman took time to develop and had played just 15 senior games by the time Hogan suffered a stress fracture in his navicular bone with two rounds remaining.

The rangy forward seized his opportunity, providing a strong presence in front of goal in the Demons’ wins over West Coast and GWS.

Weideman has worked closely with development coach Matthew Egan on improving his positioning and marking craft, as well as his disposal by foot. A sevengoal haul at VFL level in June suggests he could have a few big games up his sleeve.