Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has left the door open for veteran onballer Nathan Jones to make a miraculous return to the Demons' side amid a deep finals finish.
The minor premiers cemented their place in a preliminary final on Saturday night in style, handing the Brisbane Lions more finals hurt to the tune of 33 points.
The victory will see the Demons face the winner of next week's clash between Geelong and Greater Western Sydney, with Melbourne rewarded with a break.
The time off will allow the Demons to recover from their gritty qualifying final win, with young tall and Rising Star winner Luke Jackson even losing a tooth in the process.
This was Dogga’s good tooth… 😬 #GiveEmHell pic.twitter.com/Q8scK294HY
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 28, 2021
While the remainder of the side got through unscathed, it will be those on the outskirts of selection looking to prove their fitness across the next fortnight.
Jones, who has played 302 games in the red and blue, has been limited to just eight appearances this season due to form and injury, with his last match coming in Round 15.
Currently looking to make his return from a calf injury, the 33-year-old hasn't been ruled out of Goodwin's finals thinking.
“He’s put himself right in selection calculations through form," Goodwin said post-game.
“Nate’s given an enormous amount to our club. 16 years of service.
“You certainly feel for him at the moment.
“I know the one thing Nathan would love to be doing is playing in the 22 and being a part of it.
“His contribution around the locker room and at training is having a big effect on our playing group.
“He’s very proud of his footy club. If the opportunity presents itself, he’ll be ready.”
Goodwin also flagged the possibility of welcoming back defensive speedster Jayden Hunt in two weeks time, with the 26-year-old sidelined with an ankle injury.
"He's recovering really strongly," Goodwin said on Hunt.
"Obviously the extra week gives him some time to really get himself prepared & be available for selection."
While fringe Demons will be knocking on the door, a near-perfect performance against the Lions is set to leave Goodwin with a positive problem come selection.
Across each lines players stood up to the big occasion, further stamping a reassurance of their premiership favouritism.
Led by superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver, a fine-tuned Melbourne side now looks destined to snap their 57-year flag drought.
Oliver, who recorded 33 disposals, capped off a perfect week with the win, which followed an All-Australian selection and the crown of the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Speaking on The Round So Far, Port Adelaide and media icon Kane Cornes stated Oliver has hit new heights at the back-end of this season.
“He’s a different player, I think he’s the best pure midfielder in the game right now,” he said.
“What he has done is improved a number of facets of his game, his running power now, well it’s extraordinary, the way he can burst out of stoppages.
“He looks fit, he looks lean, he’s definitely lost a few kilograms in the off-season, and his ball use was exquisite, his touch and kicking."
The Cats and Giants are tipped to clash on Friday night, with the Demons and their faithful set to look on ahead of their preliminary final.
