Melbourne have suspended midfielder Aaron Davey for Sunday's AFL match against the Western Bulldogs.

The Demons say Davey admitted to "unprofessional preparation" in the lead-up to their stunning one-point upset of Brisbane late last month.

Davey picked up 14 disposals against the Lions.

"Davey was in Darwin during the week leading into round 14, attending a close friend's mother's funeral," the club reported in a media statement.

"Davey volunteered his lack of preparation and unprofessionalism during his time in Darwin to the (player) leadership group once he returned to Melbourne.

"The group recommended to the match committee that Aaron play a week at (VFL affiliates) Sandringham as a sanction."

He will play for Sandringham this Saturday against Williamstown.

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