MELBOURNE expects Port Adelaide to throw a raft of challenges at its gun ruckman Max Gawn on Saturday night – and the Demons will be primed for the contest.
Gawn has been in All Australian form and is ranked first in the competition for hit-outs and eighth for total contested marks this season.
He was dominant in the 29-point upset win over Hawthorn last Saturday afternoon, with 16 disposals, 41 hit-outs and eight contested marks.
The Power's Jackson Trengove awaits him on the weekend, who has performed well as a mobile ruckman who can win the ball at ground level.
"There's been some different tactics thrown at Max all year and it's been a challenge for us," Demons skipper Nathan Jones said at the club on Monday.
"Sometimes it's for him to respond, sometimes it's for us as a midfield group as an entirety to respond and help Max as well.
"We'll be expecting Trengove to give it his best and for Port to try to throw a few different tactics at Gawny, but it's probably something that we've already faced this season and it'll be up to us to adapt."
Port sits a spot ahead of Melbourne on percentage alone.
With Ken Hinkley's men coming off a 67-point loss to the Sydney Swans last Saturday afternoon, Jones knows the Power will be desperate to respond.
"They were pretty slick the last couple of times we've played them," Jones said.
"We're well aware of some of the talented players they've got.
"(They're) under a little bit of scrutiny or pressure. We'll be expecting them to bring their absolute best, particularly on their home ground."
Jones expects key forward Jesse Hogan to be available for selection after a bruised left knee forced him out of the Hawks clash.
"Hopefully some of that swelling has gone out of it even more now and he gets moving early in the week," Jones said.
The prospect of Hogan in the forward line alongside last year's No. 9 NAB AFL Draft pick Sam Weideman could be a highlight.
Weideman slotted two goals on debut against the reigning premiers in a strong first-up performance.
"I'm sure all our Melbourne supporters are excited – I know the club's excited – to see Weids and Jesse play in the same team," Jones said.
"Having spoken to Jesse, he was disappointed he couldn't be out there for Weids' first game because they've both been excited about the prospect of playing together."
