Melbourne is hopeful key defender Daniel Turner will return to tackle Fremantle's firing forward line next week.
Turner missed the last two games against Geelong and Gold Coast with a rib injury he sustained in the win over North Melbourne. Scans confirmed he'd cracked a rib during an incident in the third term and had struggled to breathe.
Demons coach Steven King, speaking after the nine-point win over the Suns, was optimistic the 2021 mid-season recruit will put his hand up for the Dockers battle, pending he gets through the week's training.
"When your team gets territory, and your backs are under pressure, perceived pressure or defending repeat entries, they looked dangerous," King said.
"Could we avoid some of those with some craft and a bit more poise? Hopefully we get a leader back next week in Daniel Turner who's tracking really well. He's been the mainstay down there. His experience and leadership will help that, I think."
Turner has been a revelation in defence for the Demons this year, and is deemed a captain in-waiting. He's developed into one of the up-and-coming backmen in the competition.
He'll be a welcome return to deny the likes of Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss.
Fellow defender Blake Howes will be under an injury watch after coming down hard from a marking contest in the final quarter of Sunday's win over Gold Coast. The Demons are set to lose the defender after coming down hard from a marking contest in Sunday's win over Gold Coast.
Howes immediately winced and grabbed at his wrist and forearm, and was sent for scans.
"He's gone for X-rays," King said.
"I just texted him. It's wrist or forearm. It's a wait-and-see. The way he got up, we'll wait to see what it is. Fingers crossed it's not too bad."
Howes hasn't missed a game this year, playing all 20 games as the Demons surge towards a surprise finals position. He is likely to have surgery.
The club was contacted for an update.
