Melbourne are wary of their first showdown with Ben Cousins this season with the Richmond star looming as a possible match-winner in their AFL clash at the MCG on Sunday.

Cousins was missing with a hamstring injury when the Dees stunned Richmond earlier this season for one of only three wins for the year.

But the Tigers star will play against a Demons side which has decided to go in without another bad boy midfielder - Colin Sylvia - despite his availability after a three-match suspension.

Demons coach Dean Bailey said Cousins had impressed him so far this year in his comeback after the confessed drug addict's return from a 12-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute.

The 30-year-old's form has been one of few bright spots for the Tigers in a disappointing season.

It has led to calls for the club to extend his current one-year deal into 2010 and beyond.

"Ben's been very good so it's going to be a tough assignment on Sunday - their midfield's working pretty well and they've got a bit of confidence, so it should be a good game," Bailey said.

The Demons have also lost tough midfielder Brent Moloney with a groin injury, but promising young defenders James Frawley and Jack Grimes return and small forward Neville Jetta has been promoted.

Richmond have again left midfielder Shane Tuck out of their side and kept faith with most of the team which surprised Essendon last weekend.

Their only change is a forced one - Kelvin Moore replacing injured defender Jarrod Silvester (knee).

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