Melbourne's emerging star Jacob van Rooyen has wowed teammates in attack but faces a fresh challenge when he takes over from Max Gawn in a crucial ruck battle with Essendon star Sam Draper.
The two cult figures are set to face off at the MCG on Saturday night as the Demons - without injured guns Gawn and Christian Petracca - chase an upset with the finals race heating up.
Influential captain Gawn is sidelined with a chipped fibula for at least the next two matches and Dees coach Simon Goodwin sprung a surprise at selection by overlooking back-up ruckman Tom Fullarton, who was listed as an emergency.
It leaves key forward van Rooyen likely to lead the ruck with assistance from fit-again Harry Petty and inexperienced tall Daniel Turner.
"He's obviously got some attributes to be able to able to go in the ruck," Goodwin said of 21-year-old van Rooyen.
"He was a pretty dominant forward in the game last week (against West Coast) as well, having eight shots at goal.
"So we've got to make sure we balance up what we want forward of the ball with what we want in the ruck.
"All those options are on the table for us."
Van Rooyen kicked 4.4 from 14 disposals in Melbourne's 54-point belting of the Eagles, and hauled in five marks inside 50 metres.
The Claremont product is not only an important figure in the Demons' short-term outlook as they seek ruck cover for Gawn, but also into the future after signing a four-year contract extension in April.
"People forget that he's only 21 and he's doing what he's doing," teammate Kade Chandler told AAP.
"It's incredible to watch a guy who's so young play the way he does, and he's just so humble.
"He's an incredible human being, a bloke of great character, so I'm really proud of him and it's exciting for our footy club to see what he can bring over the next few years."
Melbourne had won just two of their previous seven matches before hitting form against lowly West Coast.
They sit 10th on the ladder with a 9-7 record and seven matches left to play - all of those against sides still in finals contention.
But they can look no further than Essendon in the pursuit of a top-eight berth.
"It's a really big challenge for us but it's really exciting," Chandler said.
"It's going to be a packed MCG and hopefully we bring our A-game.
"They're a team that's got a lot of momentum.
"I heard (Bombers coach) Brad Scott talk about how much they've learnt as a team and they're a team in form, and they've come really good in the back bit of the year.
"It will be a challenge for us, no doubt."
Melbourne made just one change, bringing back Petty for Gawn, while Essendon have recalled veteran Dyson Heppell in place of defender Jayden Laverde (managed).
