Melbourne are set to return sidelined forward Jake Melksham as early as this weekend for a pivotal clash with West Coast, just over 10 months on from his ACL tear.
Suffered in the final round of the home & away season ahead of a top four finals campaign he was a crucial catalyst for, the ACL was a cruel blow for the 32-year-old and a key reason for their Melbourne's inability to notch a September scalp.
With eight rounds still remaining before finals, Melksham's early recovery and inclusion may seriously bolster the forward production at Melbourne and may be the difference between contending and fading in season 2024.
"It's great to have him back," coach Simon Goodwin said on Melksham's return
"He's been doing match loads for probably six or seven weeks.
"We'll get through main training today and have a really good look at our team and pick it from there."
An immediate return with Casey is on the table as Melbourne presumably act with caution, but with key forward Harrison Petty uncertain to feature this Sunday, the Demons may be desperate.
West Coast have shown, specifically against Melbourne, that they are no easy beats, and while finals don't begin for nearly two months, all of ladder positions 5-13 are either vulnerable or in the window for a top eight spot, raising the stakes for every round in the lead up to September.
In his last 10 matches, Melksham has proven an ability to shape results; see Round 18 vs Brisbane last season. His leadership and performances will be pivotal late in the season, but pending selection, may be required as early as Sunday.
"He's certainly in contention to play at both levels," Goodwin said.
"Last year was probably one of his best years of AFL footy. He was having a huge impact in our team leading up to the finals."
"Our forwards are a young group that need some leadership and he provides that in spades."
"He's a high quality person, he understands the game very well and he's like a coach on the field, so he can certainly improve our performance significantly."
Jake Bowey should also make a return after he was a late withdrawal from last Friday's narrow loss with back soreness, while fellow rebound defender Christian Salem should also play after a couple of weeks sidelined with a knee concern.
Harrison Petty is less likely to return from the ankle injury that unfortunately subbed him out of the Brisbane clash, but remains a test for Sunday selection.
Melbourne's last clash with West Coast was a forgettable one for them, but a memorable one for everyone else watching Harley Reid run amok from the midfield against Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and others.
Simon Goodwin confessed he was let of the leash to their detriment in Round 10, and was frank in his planning for this Sunday at the 'G.
"We'll be prepared for Harley Reid this time."