Melbourne's dominant start to the 2023 season could grow stronger heading into Round 2, with as many as four key players expected to line up for the Demons' bout with Brisbane on Friday night.
Simon Goodwin's side got their season off in style, notching up a 50-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday at the MCG.
Led by small forward Kysaiah Pickett's four-goal haul and a prolific performance from skipper Max Gawn, Melbourne will carry a handy percentage of 176.9% into the second round of the year.
While Pickett faces a nervous wait ahead of the Match Review Officer's findings from Saturday's action, Goodwin could welcome the returns of Bayley Fritsch, Steven May, Jack Viney and Christian Salem for the trip to Queensland.
Speaking after his side's Round 1 win, Goodwin said he expects the quartet to be right in the mix for selection.
"I'm pretty confident all four will be available," Goodwin said
"May, Salem, Fritsch and Viney are all looking promising based on their training today."
Goodwin added the returning cavalry will only add good headaches come selection next week, with debutant duo Bailey Laurie and Judd McVee both impressing their senior coaching against the Bulldogs.
McVee will be a strong chance to retain his place in the side despite Salem's potential return, while Laurie will find some competition from Fritsch.
The former first-round pick could be retained in Goodwin's 22-man side for the trip north if Pickett is suspended for the match.
"It gives us a few headaches that's for sure, because we've got a lot of guys pushing," Goodwin said of the selection dilemma.
"You would have seen Judd McVee's performance in his first game and he's a quality player who's getting better and better, and Bailey Laurie," Goodwin added.
"Both guys had impact in the game in a variety of ways and that puts pressure, but it's a healthy pressure to have."
Pickett will learn his fate on Sunday evening and is potentially facing multiple weeks on the sidelines for his bump on Bulldog Bailey Smith.
Melbourne will face Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday night, with the match to commence at 7:50pm (AEDT).
