ACTIONS and not words will be the theme for Melbourne as it attempts to turn the tables on Fremantle in Sunday's clash at Optus Stadium.

The Demons copped a massive reality check seven weeks ago when they were pumped to the tune of 92 points by the Dockers in Alice Springs.

It marked the low point of Melbourne's season and raised questions as to whether the club's premiership window had slammed shut without achieving their full potential.

The Demons (10-7) have since rebounded with three wins from their past four games, with the stretch including a fighting five-point loss to flag contenders Brisbane.

Last week's upset 17-point win over Essendon was all the more impressive given Melbourne was without ruckman Max Gawn (ankle) on top of star midfielder Christian Petracca.

"Certainly in the last month we've been playing in a way that's highly competitive," coach Simon Goodwin said.

"That previous game against Fremantle in Alice Springs we were uncompetitive in all elements of our game

"I'd like to think we've changed a lot in that space. (There's a) zeal, determination and competitiveness about our group at the moment."

Goodwin brushed aside talk his players would be motivated by redemption.

"The process about how we go about our game is more important than thinking back about redemption," he said.

"Redemption and words like that can't be used in a way if you don't have the right method.

"So it's about getting our process right in how we want to play, and the rest will take care of itself."

Goodwin praised the emergence of the club's younger players following injuries to Gawn, Petracca and the concussion-forced retirement of Angus Brayshaw.

MEDICAL ROOM Check out the full injury list

"When you're missing those guys, it leaves a void for players to step through and take opportunity," Goodwin said.

"That's what we've seen in recent weeks, the younger players have stepped up.

"They want to show the Melbourne footy club is here to stay and it's here to continue its process of being a great footy club."

Gawn is determined to play against the Dockers, but he's likely to be given at least one more week to recover.

"He walks into the office every day and says, 'Coach I'll be right', but that's the mentality he has," Goodwin said.

"We certainly won't take a risk (if he's not ready). 

"This isn't the time of the year to take a risk with any of our players, so we need to make sure he's 100 per cent ready to go."

Fremantle (10-6-1) is set to be bolstered by the return of ruckman Sean Darcy (concussion) and skipper Alex Pearce (arm).