Melbourne will use injured skipper David Neitz as inspiration when it tackles the dreaded five-day hoodoo in Saturday's table-topping clash against West Coast.

The Demons moved back into outright second place on the AFL ladder following an impressive 45-point win over Collingwood.

But they paid a heavy price, with Neitz fracturing his cheekbone after coming off worst in a heavy clash with Magpies onballer Tarkyn Lockyer.

Neitz will definitely miss Saturday's eagerly-awaited clash with West Coast, which could well be a sneak preview of the 2005 grand final.

The Eagles would go three games clear on top and all but secure the minor premiership with a victory.

The only other teams to have played after a five-day break this season are the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, and both suffered sizeable losses.

Melbourne vice-captain Adem Yze took it upon himself to address the playing group at three quarter-time after the severity of Neitz's injury had become clear.

"His attack on the footy in that contest was just what a captain should do and we just wanted to be able to walk off the ground and hold our heads up high, not let one slip with the captain on the bench and injured," said Yze, who kicked a game-high five goals, including four during a purple patch in the third term of the 17.15 (117) to 10.12 (72) victory.

"No doubt (Melbourne will use the absent Neitz as inspiration against West Coast)," added Yze.

"The club will probably show that on the footage during the week and hopefully he'll be back for the game after the break (against Brisbane) bigger and better."

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