MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Demons head coach Simon Goodwin enters the huddle at at three quarter time during the round 12 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin will miss the reigning premier's clash with Hawthorn on Saturday after contracting COVID-19.
Assistant coach and former Demons champion Adam Yze will take the reins on the weekend, making his coaching debut against the Hawks, where he was an assistant coach for six years under Alastair Clarkson before rejoining the red and blue.
Yze, who played 271 games for Melbourne, told melbournefc.com.au that while he is ready for the task at hand, a team effort will be required in Goodwin's absence.
"It won't be just myself - obviously everyone's got to step up," Yze said.
"I'll just be the face of it this week, but I feel comfortable doing it."
The Demons have carried on their premiership form from 2021, opening the season as the only undefeated team after six rounds and look set to be a formidable force for the rest of the season.
The Dees will match-up against the Hawks on Saturday afternoon at the MCG at 4:35pm (AEST), with the Demons hoping to extend their undefeated run to seven this year.