Meldrum was a versatile footballer could play anywhere on the ground, and made his debut for Carlton in 1982. He played 158 games for the club, including playing in their winning 1987 VFL Grand Final team. In the same year Meldrum finished equal 3rd in the Brownlow Medal count and represented Victoria in interstate football.
South Australia 18.17 (125) defeated Victoria 17.13 (115), at Football Park, 13 May 1986, crowd: 43,143
Western Australia 21.11 (137) d Victoria 20.14 (134), at Subiaco Oval, 8 July 1986, crowd: 39,863