Melbourne captain Max Gawn has avoided a serious setback after suffering a hamstring injury at training last week, with the Demons ruckman only expected to miss the coming two weeks of pre-season training.
The setback, which was revealed by the club on Friday, sparked fears among the Demons and their fans as to whether their skipper would be fit in time for a Round 1 bout against the Western Bulldogs in mid-March.
Melbourne revealed on Monday afternoon that Gawn isn't expected to face an interrupted start to the 2023 season, having suffered a low-grade hamstring injury.
“Max was closely monitored over the weekend, and we were really pleased with how his hamstring settled,” Demons medical boss Dr Laura Lallenec told Melbourne Media.
“He has now commenced a modified program, with the view to reintegrate him into training over the next fortnight.
“Given the relatively short period of time that Max will miss, we are confident this won't impact his preparation for the start of the season.”
The news is sure to again buoy the Demons' chances heading into their season opener, which is scheduled for the MCG on Saturday, March 18.
That clash will see the Demons face fellow 2021 grand finalists the Western Bulldogs, who, like Melbourne, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing finals campaign from last year.
With Gawn likely to feature in the match, a great degree of attention will be placed on how the Demons split his role with star recruit Brodie Grundy, who arrived at the club over the off-season via a trade with Collingwood.
The ex-Magpie won't be the only intriguing new face for Melbourne come Round 1, with former Bulldogs pair Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache to also be in consideration for the season opener.
