BREAKING NEWS: With star ruckman, the Melbourne Demons won’t take any chances. Max Gawn for the Fremantle Dockers match

Prior to Sunday’s travel to Perth to play Fremantle, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has stated that he would not be taking any chances with star ruckman Max Gawn.

Due to an ankle injury, Gawn was unable to participate in Saturday night’s match against Essendon at the MCG. However, he may be able to return earlier than expected to play this weekend against Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson of the Dockers.

It happened after the Demons, who lacked a designated ruckman going into the game against the Bombers, spun forwards Harrison Petty and Jacob van Rooyen through the line, winning the clearance count against Sam Draper.

When the team is announced on Thursday, Gawn is still a possibility to start against the Dockers, but Goodwin stated they won’t be taking any chances.

He’s doing a fantastic job of working through his process. Max added, “Everyone who knows him knows how intelligent he is.

“We will evaluate him after today, but we won’t take a chance. Today (Thursday) is a crucial day for that process.

We need to make sure he is fully prepared to play because now is not the time of year to gamble with any of our players. Today is undoubtedly a significant step for him at this point in his development.