STAR ruckman Max Gawn leads an attractive list of Melbourne inclusions for this week's clash with the Western Bulldogs, which will also include Jake Lever and Neville Jetta.

Gawn missed last week's victory over Carlton with an ankle injury, but will return on Sunday and share the ruck duties alongside imposing big man Braydon Preuss.

Braydon Preuss and Max Gawn have played together twice this season. Picture: AFL Photos

"Max is back this week," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

"He wanted to make sure that everyone knew he was available, so they could put him in their (Fantasy) team. It's great to have the big man back."

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Preuss impressed in his return last week, making just his third Melbourne appearance after being on the outer because of the form of Gawn, the reigning All Australian ruckman.

Preuss had 14 disposals and 44 hitouts, with Goodwin saying the 206cm prospect will retain his place in the team because of the season-ending knee injury suffered by forward Tom McDonald.

"They'll both play together," Goodwin said.

"Braydon was really important for us and he's a big target. Without Tom, he's going to provide an option for us forward.

"We've been wanting to do it for a little while now, to get both in the same team. Braydon has been a much-improved player for us at VFL level. This gives us that opportunity.

"I'm assuming that's the way we're going to go. We're looking forward to seeing how they build a good combination together."

Gawn and Preuss have played two senior games together this season, the most recent coming in Melbourne's round five loss to St Kilda.

We've been wanting to do it for a little while now, to get both in the same team - Simon Goodwin on Braydon Preuss and Max Gawn

Lever and Jetta will also return, having both dealt with knee injuries this season.

Both made their comebacks via the VFL last week. Lever is set to play just his second AFL match this year, while Jetta will return after three months on the sidelines.

Despite their lengthy spells out of the team, Goodwin said he has no hesitation in picking both for Sunday's important clash at Marvel Stadium.

"They've probably played more than you think," Goodwin said.

"But there's no reluctance there. Jake has been training pretty hard for six weeks. He's had a couple of niggles.

"Neville has had a big preparation now. He's eight or 10 weeks post-surgery, and he's played a game of VFL footy.

"We're really comfortable with where those guys are at, and we think they're going to add to the experience in our team. We've been incredibly young this year, so to get them back is going to be really important."

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