MELBOURNE coach Neale Daniher admits he hopes Fremantle have been distracted by the Des Headland sledging saga coming into their AFL clash at the MCG on Sunday.

The Dockers' week has been dominated by the Headland-Adam Selwood controversy and its tribunal sequel ahead of a must-win match for Fremantle and the Demons, both winless this season.

Melbourne, ravaged by injury and searching for some sort of edge in a desperation match, are hoping the Dockers' focus on football has been dulled by the events of the week.

"Absolutely, of course (we hope they are distracted), but we don't control that," Daniher said.

"What's happened at the tribunal hasn't been the focus of what we're about this week.

"It's about trying to get our game up."

For the first time this season the understrength Demons welcome players back from injury, including key defender Jared Rivers and hard man Byron Pickett.

Pickett, criticised for his portly condition on return to the Demons ahead of the season, has impressed in two reserves' hitouts and regained top shape according to his coach.

"His skinfolds are now the lowest they've ever been since he was at the club," Daniher said.

"That's one positive. It took him a while. He came back overweight.

"But the thing that's held him back the last month is a sore hamstring.

"He's played two games now, and he's right to go."

Fremantle will include onballer Heath Black for his first match of the year, with ruckman Justin Longmuir again missing with a recurring knee injury.