Gawn ruled out of Magpies clash

Melbourne will be without captain Max Gawn for Saturday's pivotal clash against Collingwood, as he continues to battle a knee injury.

Gawn hurt his posterior cruciate ligament late in the win over Adelaide and missed this week's clash against North Melbourne in Adelaide.

The Demons had hoped he would be fit to face the Magpies at the Gabba but coach Simon Goodwin ruled him out on Friday.

The Demons, in 10th spot with a 5-5 record but with a game in hand because of the postponed clash against Essendon, have yet to topple a top-eight side this season but are set to be buoyed by the return of hardnut Jack Viney from a head knock.

More to come