Demons stars Gawn, Oliver cleared to face Richmond

He will be joined in the side by captain Max Gawn as the star ruckman makes his first appearance in four weeks after injuring his knee against Brisbane in round two.

The premiership skipper completed Sunday's training run with Oliver.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said on Friday that Gawn would not be risked and would only play if he felt ready.

Star Demons defender Jake Lever and Michael Hibberd will also return against the Tigers, who are enduring a difficult start to the season and sit 15th on the ladder.

But it would not surprise if the Demons made a late change, with former Brisbane and Western Bulldogs tall Josh Schache taken out of Sunday's VFL match.

It comes as the Demons try to respond from a shock loss to Essendon during Gather Round in Adelaide last weekend.

Brad Scott's Bombers blasted 104 points against Melbourne - just the second time in 74 games the defensively-minded Demons have conceded a three-figure score.

Richmond will be buoyed by a vital inclusion of their own, with utility Jayden Short to play his first game since round two after battling a calf issue.

"He's a really good player. He's a best and fairest winner, an All-Australian squad member," Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said.

"He's just one of those players we can plug in wherever we want and we know we're going to get a really good player to play a role that's going to help us win the game."

Exciting forward Maurice Rioli Jnr, who was last week's activated sub, has been named in the starting 22.

Short and Rioli replace Hugo Ralphsmith and Tyler Sonsie, who have been omitted. 

Hardwick was excited about playing in the Anzac Day Eve showdown, which has been "getting bigger and bigger" between the Tigers and Demons.

"It's a great honour and privilege to pay our respects to the service men and women who have given so much to our country," Hardwick said.

"We really enjoy it and the jumper we wear with the wattle sash is really important as well and what that signifies."