MELBOURNE defender Colin Garland has been cleared of any structural damage to his knee but faces a fitness test on Thursday to determine his availability for this weekend.

Garland copped a knock to his knee while playing for Casey in the VFL on Sunday, taking no further part in the game after sustaining the injury in the second quarter.

The VFL contest was Garland's second game back in the VFL after ankle surgery in January.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the news was positive regarding Garland's injury.

"He's been cleared, structurally, of any knee damage but it just depends on how quickly it settles down," Mahoney told AFL.com.au.

"At this stage he's a chance to train on Thursday and if he gets through that, he's a possibility for this weekend."

The Demons are unsure whether that will be in the AFL or in the VFL again.

Ruckman Max Gawn is right in the selection mix for Melbourne's clash against Adelaide after he won 49 hit-outs and 18 disposals for the Scorpions.

Gawn was another Demon who had his pre-season hampered by injury, battling a hamstring complaint.

"Max has played the last two games in the VFL and that'll be a decision for the match committee about whether Max is selected this week, or not," Mahoney said.

"But physically he's ready and available to play."

Mahoney also nominated Aidan Riley as a chance to play his first game for the club.

The former Crow has recovered from a broken leg, which saw him placed on the long-term injury list, but he has successfully built up his game time in the VFL to be considered for senior selection.

Young recruit Viv Michie is still one week away from a return and will join in contact drills at training next week.

Michie broke his jaw in the VFL a month ago.

"He'll train this week, without contact, and all things going well he'll be available to play next weekend," Mahoney said.

Midfielder Jordie McKenzie bounced back strongly from his omission from the senior side, collecting 27 disposals to be Casey's best player at the weekend.