Melbourne could be without a recognised ruckman for Saturday's bout with Adelaide as an injury cloud hangs over young tall Luke Jackson.
The Demons are already without skipper and star ruckman Max Gawn due to a syndesmosis injury that will keep him sidelined for at least another week, while veteran Majak Daw recently announced his immediate retirement in the wake of his latest injury setback.
The pair of absences saw Jackson take on the first-string ruck duties against the Lions last week, an outing where the 20-year-old dazzled with 21 possessions, 18 hit-outs, 9 tackles, six inside 50s and a goal.
The performance strengthened Goodwin's confidence in the young star, who was named as the sole ruckman for the club's trip to Adelaide Oval for their Round 16 encounter.
Although, the Demons' ruck stocks have seemingly taken a further hit, with Jackson understood to be battling a knee issue in the lead up to this weekend.
According to 7 News Perth's Ryan Daniels, Jackson will be given until the 11th hour to prove his fitness, with versatile tall Mitch Brown on standby should a late change be required.
There’s hope Jackson will travel with the team to Adelaide tomorrow and test out the knee issue - and be passed fit to play.
Dees would ruck Weideman and Brown in his absence.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) June 30, 2022
Should Jackson miss the clash, Brown and fellow forward Sam Weideman could be forced to share the ruck workload against Adelaide pair Reilly O'Brien and Riley Thilthorpe.
The Demons are yet to address any injury concern that's currently hampering Jackson, with the club having confirmed their 22-man squad on Thursday night.
Goodwin has named no changes from the side that defeated Brisbane in Round 15, with Jake Melksham, Adam Tomlinson, Jayden Hunt and Brown named as the emergencies.
Melbourne will announce their final side to play on Saturday afternoon one hour before the game's scheduled 4:35pm (AEST) commencement.
