Melbourne's ruck load is set to fall squarely on Luke Jackson's shoulders in the absence of skipper Max Gawn, with fellow tall Majak Daw expected to miss a month through injury.
Daw, who has been playing for Melbourne's VFL team Casey for much of 2022, has suffered a torn pec and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
"It's an enormous opportunity for Luke to really step up," coach Simon Goodwin told media on Monday.
"We've seen what he's capable of in a range of different situations, but to take that mantle as the No.1 ruckman will be really important and we'll see his ability to really step up and do it a different way. Max is a pure tap ruckman, Luke is slightly different and gives us a different look at ground level. We're looking forward to seeing what that looks like.
"Who is going to support him, we're still working through that. Majak won't be available, he's got a partial pec tear that he did a couple of weeks ago. He's probably four weeks away from being back available to play. We'll have to be a little bit adaptive in that space and come up with a clear plan, but it's something we're looking forward to."
Daw is yet to play a game for the reigning premiers since joining the club for the 2021 season after eight years at North Melbourne.
The 31-year-old former Kangaroo was considered as another option to help cover the absence of Gawn, who is expected to miss around a month with an ankle syndesmosis injury.
Jackson's time in the number one ruck spot comes at a crucial time for the young Demon. With his contract set to expire at the end of 2022, both Western Australian clubs are reportedly circling the 20-year-old, ready to lure him back to his home state.
Goodwin floated the idea of forward Ben Brown being used as support in the ruck, as the 29-year-old tries to regain some form after a quiet few weeks.
"I thought his game last weekend was a big step forward," Goodwin said.
"I thought he was really close to being a dominant player in the game. He got his hands to a lot of contests, he kicked two goals and he had a snap at the end where he probably could have kicked his third if he had a bit more time on the clock.
"His form progressed strongly last week and I don't think he's too far away from being in some really good form."
Despite their ruck selection dilemma, there is good news for the Demons, with Steven May set to return to the senior side after serving a club-imposed suspension.
