THE RETURN of a recognised ruckman will be welcomed by Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin, but the Demons are still unsure whether Max Gawn or Jake Spencer will take to the field against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Gawn has been sidelined since round three after sustaining a serious hamstring injury but could play as soon as this week, should he be deemed fit to do so.
Spencer returned via the VFL on Saturday after seven weeks on the sidelines due to an AC joint injury and performed solidly for Casey in its 19-point win over Collingwood's VFL side.
The lack of a genuine big man threatened to be detrimental for the Demons against Collingwood on Monday, before the club's stirring second-half comeback yielded a thrilling four-point win.
"It's possible (Gawn will return)," Goodwin said.
"He's done an enormous amount of training over the last month. He's still got some important things to tick off but we know that Jake's played some good footy at VFL level.
"If it's not this week, Max will be back the week after."
Magpie Brodie Grundy was influential in Collingwood's first-half dominance, as its hit-out advantage (30-11) translated to complete control of the clearances (25-11) and provided the impetus for a game high 28-point lead midway through the second term.
Grundy finished with 53 hit-outs at the final siren, but some structural tweaks – including sending Tom McDonald into the ruck and stationing Cam Pedersen up forward – allowed the Demons to break even in clearances (35-35) by the end of the game.
Goodwin described the difficulties of having to play undersized players such as McDonald, Pedersen and Watts in the ruck in Gawn and Spencer's absences.
"It's challenging, especially against quality midfielders in Collingwood. They've got a really good ruckman, they've got quality guys at ground level," Goodwin said.
"The guys have done a terrific job. Today, in the first half, was really the first time we were exposed to any great extent.
"So it's going to be great to get a big man back into the team."
Melbourne, who has moved up to sixth spot on the ladder, is in the top eight for the first time since round six.
The Demons have matches against the Bulldogs, West Coast, Sydney and Carlton over the next month, contests that shape as crucial to the club's hopes of making the finals for the first time since 2006.
"It's a nice position to be in," Goodwin said.
"It's something we can build some momentum off. Winning games like that builds spirit and belief within your footy club.
"We're 6-5, we've got a good launching pad and hopefully the supporters are coming to the game and seeing the growth and spirit of the team and we'll continue to build that throughout the year."
Christian Petracca and Watts (who copped a heavy knock in the first term) were pivotal in the Demons' victory over the Pies, with the pair delivering with clutch goals in telling moments late in the match.
"Christian's the sort of lad that wants the ball in his hands in big moments and same with Jack. They're good finishers and they play with a lot of energy and spirit," Goodwin said.
"You want the ball in their hands late in games and they want it as well."
