Rookie-listed in late 2014, Melican made his name in 2017 when he held St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt to 10 possessions, earning an AFL Rising Star nomination and the Sydney Swans' own Rising Star award. Injury restricted the 194cm Victorian to 23 appearances across 2020 to 2023, but he rebuilt his place in defence and reached 100 games in Round 23, 2025. He has played 111 AFL games and kicked 2 goals.