COACH Paul Roos has labeled key forward Chris Dawes one of the hardest working key forwards he’s seen play the game.

Roos said Dawes’ impact was considerable on the team and would be a welcome return when the Demons take on the Magpies in the Queen’s Birthday blockbuster at the MCG on Monday.

Dawes missed Melbourne’s 20-point loss to Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park Oval last round, due to a one match suspension for striking Richmond defender Alex Rance in round nine.

“We saw him in terrific form [before his suspension] and Dawesy has got a baseline to his game, which I really like,” Roos said.

“Some guys fluctuate and have great games one week and terrible games the next week – what I’ve noticed with Dawesy in the short time I’ve been with him is his effort levels have been fantastic.

“He’s one of the hardest working centre half forwards/full forwards I’ve seen play the game. So even when he’s having a bit of a down period, he’s still tackling and chasing and having a big impact on the game and that’s what I’ve really noticed about him.

“That [type of] forward is invaluable because it means their form doesn’t fluctuate anywhere as much as the forwards that rely on just kicking goals and taking marks. So it’s terrific to have him back in the team.”

Roos said Dawes, who was added to the leadership group earlier in the year, had been outstanding in that area.

“I’ve been super impressed with him since I’ve been here – there’s no question,” he said.

“He’s come from a successful club – and with all due respect to our players and they’d say that themselves – we haven’t got a lot of guys that have been involved in successful footy clubs.

“Having Bernie [Vince] and Crossy (Daniel Cross) and Dawesy (Chris Dawes) has been really invaluable for this group. Dawesy’s been terrific in that regard as well.”