Jesse Hogan's AFL comeback is a step into the unknown, with Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin unsure how the key forward will play.
Hogan has given the Demons a timely morale boost with his return for Sunday's match against danger side Carlton at the MCG.
The 2015 Rising Star winner Hogan has endured a torrid year, including the death of his father Tony to cancer.
Hogan was then diagnosed with testicular cancer and had surgery two months ago to have a tumour removed.
"I guess he's been out for such a long period, we're not sure," Goodwin said when asked about what he expects from Hogan.
"We haven't rushed him back, he's done a lot of work, so we're hoping it won't take too long to get him back to his best."
Hogan's welcome inclusion comes at the end of a rugged week for Melbourne.
After showcasing their improvement with a four-game winning streak, last Friday night Melbourne suffered a jolting loss to Sydney.
Tom Bugg's off-the-ball punch concussed Callum Mills, earning the Demons on-baller a six-game suspension, while Jack Viney and Dom Tyson were injured.
It then emerged that the Demons had banned four VFL players from selection against Sydney because they had broken the team's alcohol policy the previous week.
And now Melbourne play the improving Blues, who will fancy their chances of an upset win.
"Just to get him back around the footy club with a smile on his face and get out there doing something he really loves, it's a special moment for him and also the footy club," Goodwin said.
While Hogan will boost their attack, Melbourne look thin in the midfield with Viney and Tyson out, plus Nathan Jones' ongoing injury.
"It's an area (where) we know we're going to have to step up ... we've lost some midfielders and we're coming up against a team that has a high-quality midfield," Goodwin said.
"With that comes a lot of responsibility and increased responsibility for some guys going in there, but we're excited about that challenge too."
Melbourne are without their co-captains Jones and Viney, so the captaincy duties will be shared among several players.
"It's an important day, Sunday, for our footy club, to take a big step forward and start playing the way we want to play again," Goodwin said.
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