Melbourne is in line to receive a triple boost for Saturday's matchup against Gold Coast, with three veterans in the mix to suit up against the Suns.
Premiership defender Steven May has been cleared to return from a fractured larynx that delayed his 2025 campaign, while forward Jake Melksham has also been given the green light after dealing with a hamstring injury.
Senior backman Jake Lever is also looking in good shape despite a rolled ankle from Sunday's loss to North Melbourne.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, coach Simon Goodwin said all three could return for Round 3, pending the club's main training session.
"Steven May will be available, Jake Melksham will be available, Jake Lever's ankle looks fine," Goodwin said.
"We'll have some experience that'd be available to us to come back into the team. Steven is a pretty important player for us in the back half of the ground, not only in the way he plays but in his leadership. He's trending in the right direction.
"This'll be the first time we have Steven, Jake and Harrison Petty back together. We're excited by that proposition, they operate really well together."
The Demons will also have Aidan Johnson available following his one-game suspension, with the mature-aged recruit potentially contending with Melksham to replace Matthew Jefferson, who has been sidelined with a hand injury.
Goodwin also couldn't rule out a recall for top draft selection Harvey Langford off the back of the Dandenong junior's 23-disposal, five-clearance and one-goal outing for Casey over the weekend.
While Goodwin was full of praise for his prowess and potential, he called for patience in the expectations surrounding Melbourne's Pick 6 selection.
"We know the quality of player he's going to be in a whole range of different areas," the premiership coach said of Langford.
"But we also understand he's still young. He's still learning everything about AFL footy, and we're not in a rush to force it.
"Yep, he's a highly talented pick and he'll help our club and our team, but we've got to make sure we get him prepared the right way.
"He's well on his way, but we can't continue to put high and unrealistic expectations on young players. He'll come in and perform at his own level at his own rate. We'll develop him as quick as we can, but no doubt he's going to have a huge impact for us."
Melbourne, who is searching for their first win of the season, will host Gold Coast at the MCG on Saturday following the Queensland club's early season bye.
