Paxy Paxman remains touch-and-go for Melbourne's crucial AFLW clash with Hawthorn as the star utility continues to nurse a foot injury.
The five-time All-Australian was sidelined again for last weekend's win over Richmond, after making a successful return the week before against St Kilda.
While the controversial condensed part of this season's fixture is now over, Paxman admitted on Monday that the initiative maybe had not been her "best friend" as she tried to return to the side.
Coach Mick Stinear last week called for a "thorough review" of the condensed fixture, as well as talking about the difficulties Paxman has faced as she tries to put the injury behind her.
"Sometimes they (injuries) can be a little bit tedious - I'm just going week-by-week at the moment, hopefully I can get in a couple of good sessions over the next few days," Paxman said on Monday.
"There are always pros and cons with a condensed fixture. When you have a little niggle, it's probably not your best friend.
"Overall, the girls have handled it professionally. We trust our staff.
"We love playing footy - the more games, the better. And we're through the condensed period now, which is nice."
Paxman was sidelined during the condensed portion of the fixture, so she is wary about weighing in on the debate.
"Collate all the feedback at the end of the season.. There is probably no perfect plan ... take all aspects into consideration, see where it all sits," she said.
"I feel quite fresh ... but talking with the girls, this is just from my perspective, but everyone who has played seems in good spirits."
Certainly the Demons have come out of the middle portion of the season well. After a poor start, they are out of the top eight on percentage with two games left until the finals.
Second-placed Hawthorn, this season's bolters, will be a massive test for one of the league's most experienced teams.
Paxman, Eden Zanker and Liv Purcell are among the veterans who are coming back from injury, boosting a team that has found its mojo again.
"Obviously, watching, you want to be out there. But it is nice to see the younger crew doing their thing and stepping up with confidence," Paxman said.
"That's the silver lining - it's not ideal having some experience out, but those younger girls get that exposure, that experience.
"You want to be playing, but that's part of sport. Control the controllables - all I can control at the moment is my recovery."
Thursday's match against Hawthorn in Cairns will open the AFLW's Indigenous round, which will also feature Friday's big clash when third-placed Adelaide host top side North Melbourne.
"It's obviously quite significant ... I'm very proud, it's an honour to wear a jumper such as this," Paxman said ahead of the Hawthorn clash.
"They're near the top of the ladder for a reason, so we know it's going to be a heated battle - not just in temperature."
"They're exciting to watch, you can tell they're a strong contest side.
"They get around the ground quite seamlessly."
