Melbourne captain Max Gawn could return to the Demons' fold earlier than first expected, with the star ruckman hitting the track on Monday.

Gawn has been sidelined with a syndesmosis injury since Round 13, sustainiong ligament damage to his left ankle against the Magpies in the Queen's Birthday clash.

The ailment had Gawn expected to miss up to five weeks, however the veteran Dee finds himself a chance to return earlier than anticipated.

Demons performance manager Selwyn Griffith confirmed to Melbourne Media this week that Gawn is "continuing to progress well", with the club "assessing him day to day".

While unlikely to face Adelaide this week, the club haven't ruled out their skipper from making a miraculous return to line up against the Crows.

The Demons have also seen strong progress in trio Daniel Turner (face), Blake Howes (foot) and Joel Smith (ankle), who have increased their training program as they work through their respective recoveries.

Swingman Tom McDonald is set to face multiple months on the sidelines and may return from a foot injury in time for a late finals push from the reigning premiers.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Tom McDonald and Adam Tomlinson of the Demons walk off the field after a win during the 2021 AFL Round 04 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

A win over Brisbane last Thursday saw Simon Goodwin's side return to winnings ways, with their clash against the Crows the next roadblock in their way.

Melbourne will travel to Adelaide Oval to face the Crows on Saturday afternoon at 4:35pm (AEST).