MELBOURNE is poised to vote on its captaincy structure in the coming weeks with ruckman Max Gawn tipped to be promoted to lead the club in 2020 after long-time leader Nathan Jones stepped down at the end of last season.

Jones, 32, held the role since 2014, and shared with it with young hard nut Jack Viney for the past three seasons.

Popular ruckman Gawn could hold the role with Viney, who played 21 games last season after overcoming foot issues.

Viney, who married partner Charlotte last January with the couple expecting their first child in July, has a lead-from-the-front leadership style that would complement Gawn's laidback yet hard-working personality when the players cast their votes. 

The Demons didn't hold the leadership group vote on their recent Maroochydore training camp and have 10 days before their first Marsh Community Series game.

They meet Adelaide at Casey Fields on Saturday, February 22, but it isn't known if they'll make their official appointment before that game.

Gawn won't play against the Crows anyway after injuring his left knee in Maroochydore but is hopeful of lining up in their second official pre-season game on March 6 against Hawthorn. 

The three-time All-Australian completed part of Wednesday's training session with his knee strapped and was seen icing it afterwards.

The Demons will now work through their big-man contingencies with Braydon Preuss hurting his knee on Monday.

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Preuss will miss 8-10 weeks after surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus. 

While Gawn remains a chance for the clash with the Hawks, who fills the back-up spot remains to be seen.

Draftee Luke Jackson, forwards Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman, or even former Giant Adam Tomlinson or pre-season acquisition Mitch Brown could be possibilities. 

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Defender Michael Hibberd trained freely on Wednesday despite suffering a corked calf on Monday, while Jake Melksham and Charlie Spargo appeared to ramp things up. 

Angus Brayshaw appears on track to play against the Hawks although he remains out of contact training thanks to a strained elbow ligament he picked up last month. 

Luckless defender Joel Smith remains on a modified program after a cut on his foot, sustained over the New Year period, became infected. 

Aaron vandenBerg will also remain on light duties after leaving the track early on Monday with a right foot issue.

It isn't believed to be a serious injury, however the 27-year-old will continue to be managed cautiously given his history of foot and ankle problems. 

The Demons' summer injury woes have extended beyond the field with CEO Gary Pert recently undergoing a major shoulder repair. 

Pert, 54, injured his right shoulder while fly fishing on a family holiday in New Zealand over the Christmas break. 

He underwent surgery in recent weeks and has since returned to work in a sling.