MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Max Gawn of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Star Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn will not return to the field today, after suffering a right hamstring injury.

It was initially feared he had injured his knee during the Dees' clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Gawn went down to the rooms late in the first half after hobbling to the bench very gingerly on his already heavily strapped right leg.

However, the club confirmed at half-time he has suffered a hamstring injury and he will not return to the field for the rest of the game.

Jack Watts will now shoulder the huge load of playing in the ruck for the remainder of the game.

Geelong heads into half-time with a narrow lead, thanks largely to Melbourne's inaccuracy in front of goal. The Cats lead 9.2 (56), to 7.11 (53) at the main break.