WITH Melbourne's Anzac Day Eve showdown against Richmond at the MCG still eight days away, the Demons' coaching staff don't need to rush into early calls on team selection.
However, after a terrible performance against Hawthorn on Sunday that resulted in a 67-point thrashing, it seems likely coach Simon Goodwin will instigate a personnel and structural shake-up for the blockbuster against the Tigers on Tuesday week.
DISMAL DEMONS: A giant step backwards, Goodwin admits
Melbourne sorely missed midfielder Dom Tyson's presence around stoppages against the Hawks and he is almost certain to return straight to the senior side after missing the match through illness.
After not being selected for the opening game of the season against Geelong, Tyson averaged 23.5 disposals from his two games before being ruled out against the Hawks.
Angus Brayshaw, who returned for his first match of the year against the Hawks at the expense of Tyson, should keep his spot, which brings James Harmes' spot into question after another quiet outing.
Brayshaw made a solid return against the Hawks. Picture: AFL Photos
Co-captain Jack Viney is still not ready to return as he continues his rehabilitation from an injured foot, with Demons football manager Josh Mahoney saying on Sunday the combative mid could return to the field within three weeks.
Both Viney and key forward Tom McDonald (foot) are on similar rehab programs and will look to join in some football sessions over the next fortnight, according to Mahoney.
"Both Tom and Jack are about two to three weeks away now," Mahoney told Triple M radio.
"Tom will do some training from halfway through [this] week to later in the week and Jack probably the following week.
"Tom's slightly ahead of Jack at the moment."
Speedy defender Jayden Hunt is also a strong chance to come into the equation after being named best afield in the Casey Demons' 16-point win over Werribee in the VFL.
Hunt, who was dropped following the Demons' win over Brisbane in round two, collected 19 disposals and kicked a goal in Casey's comeback win.
FROM THE TWOS: Who's pressing for a senior recall?
His ability to break the lines and link up through the middle of the ground was something Melbourne lacked against the Hawks, with the Demons' leaky defence conceding 115 points.
Rebounding defender Josh Wagner appears in the most danger to lose his spot after a poor showing against the Hawks, while Neville Jetta will be monitored this week after rolling his ankle against the Hawks.
Sam Frost could also be surplus to needs against a smaller Richmond forward line, which has preferred Jack Riewoldt as its only tall target amid a host of smalls.
Frost could be surplus to requirements against Richmond's small forward line. Picture: AFL Photos
Among an array of problems, the Demons lost their structure forward of the ball against Hawthorn and, with Jesse Hogan spending time up the ground, their lack of tall targets was telling.
With McDonald still on the sidelines, utility Cameron Pedersen could be recalled to play as the second tall alongside Hogan.
Pedersen kicked two goals for Casey on Saturday night after featuring in Melbourne's first two games of the year.
Melbourne could also turn to young key forward Sam Weideman, who has displayed encouraging form in the VFL this season.
Weideman, pick No.9 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, kicked one goal for Casey on Saturday night in the game against Werribee, but booted five majors the previous week against Coburg.
The 20-year-old had a limited pre-season following ankle surgery in the off-season, but has looked dangerous in the games he has played in the VFL.
Weideman also had 13 hit-outs in the VFL and, if he returns to the side, could play as the back-up ruckman to Max Gawn.
Jake Melksham has not been able to recapture the form he displayed over pre-season and might make way for a tall, while Tomas Bugg will be in the gun after a mistake-riddled performance against the Hawks.
Forward Mitch Hannan was the carryover emergency for the Hawks game and will also come into the mix, while midfielder Billy Stretch (22 disposals) is also pushing hard to play his first game for the season.
It is also still debatable whether Melbourne can play both Hannan and young forward Bayley Fritsch in the same side after they failed to complement each other in round one.
