Vision of Gawn running over the weekend - published by the Demons online -sparked belief the influential captain could be ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.
But Goodwin said there was "no hope" Gawn would return from his MCL sprain any time soon, declaring the 31-year-old veteran still at least one month away.
"We'll be making sure that Max is fully fit by the time he comes back," Goodwin told reporters on Thursday.
"He's back running, which is fantastic to see, but he's got to put a bit of work in.
"We're going to be really conservative with Max.
"He needs to be 100 per cent right to go and get a few weeks of training under his belt so we don't get any recurrence with that injury.
"We want him to be fully fit for the whole year."
Gawn's injury has left ruck duties to off-season recruit Brodie Grundy, who starred in last week's win over Sydney.
Grundy will be expected to have a huge say against West Coast on Sunday, when he will come up against Bailey Williams.
The inexperienced Eagle is shouldering ruck duties with Nic Naitanui (Achilles) out injured and was monstered by Fremantle pair Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson last week.
West Coast have added Jeremy McGovern, Liam Ryan, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Alex Witherden and Campbell Chesser to their long injury list as a result of last week's derby carnage.
But Goodwin won't let his players underestimate a wounded opponent.
"They were right in that game against Fremantle until they ran out of legs and they're a different footy club this year," Goodwin said.
"They're been really impressive in the last few weeks and we're preparing for them at their best.
"They've certainly changed some things in their game around contest and how they move the ball, and things that are really progressive in the game.
"We're looking at it as an opportunity, no matter who's in their team, to really take the game to them."
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