Dale Finucane is the latest high-profile player to make an off-season switch, with the Canterbury back-rower expected to link with Melbourne as early as this week.

A desire to play regular first-grade minutes saw Finucane explore his options at season's end with Melbourne beating out Cronulla, Manly and Wests Tigers to secure his signature for at least two years.

Linked with Melbourne: Dale Finucane. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Finucane, who was contracted to Canterbury until 2016, has played the bulk of his 66-game NRL career from the interchange bench.

With representative duo Josh Jackson and Tony Williams entrenched on the Bulldogs edge, Finucane had little option but to switch clubs as he looks to push for a representative spot. Frank Pritchard, who missed a large chunk of 2014 through injury, will also command a bigger role next year.