Melbourne will have some big selection calls, especially among their tall forwards, for the AFL Anzac Eve blockbuster against Richmond.
Sunday’s 50-point win over Hawthorn gave the Demons their first 5-0 start to a season since 1994, when they made a preliminary final.
Now comes a stern test of their bona fides next Saturday night against the reigning premiers, who have a five-game winning streak against Melbourne dating back to 2016.
While the Demons were far from convincing against Hawthorn until their last-quarter goals avalanche, they are flush with depth.
Key forwards Sam Weideman (seven goals) and Ben Brown (three goals) staked their claims for senior recalls earlier on Sunday with strong VFL performances.
But fellow forwards Tom McDonald, Luke Jackson and Mitch Brown all did their jobs in the senior side.
Coach Simon Goodwin said fellow forward Bayley Fritsch and defender Steven May also could return from injury.
“It’s just a fantastic problem to have,” Goodwin said.
“The team’s performing well. If we can find ways to get better, whether that be through method, whether that be through personnel, we’ll make those changes.
“We’ll continue to reward the players that are in the team and playing well … but we won’t be afraid to make change if needed.”
As if next Saturday night was not big enough for the unbeaten Demons, club stalwart and former captain Nathan Jones will also play his 300th game.