Melbourne veteran Cameron Bruce has backed young key forward Jack Watts to rise to the occasion in Monday's AFL clash against Collingwood.

Watts was the 2008 No.1 draft pick and made a much-publicised senior debut in the corresponding game last year, when the powerful Magpies defence gave him a rough welcome and he did not kick a goal.

Melbourne stress that Watts, 19, is a long-term project; the annual Queen's Birthday clash will be his eighth AFL match.

"He's developing ... a lot of people don't realise how limited a preparation he had for AFL footy," Bruce said.

"He didn't do a pre-season at all going into last season and this year he was very limited in his preparation, had a few niggles.

"It's hard for a player just starting out in the game to come in and play (lots) of senior football and perform really well when you haven't had the preparation that's required.

"He's going to improve and he's an exciting talent, we're looking for him to step up.

"He's a player who loves the big occasion and I'm sure he'll perform well tomorrow."

The Demons' top three draft picks last year - Tom Scully, Jack Trengove and Jordan Gysberts - will all play in their first Queen's Birthday match.

Experienced teammates such as Bruce are making sure they know it is Melbourne's biggest home game of the season.

"They're pretty excited, they've spoken to a few of the senior boys about the occasion and we're definitely building it up and saying it is our biggest game of the year," Bruce said.

"It's important they step up and they've done it so far this year, they've played some great footy."

Collingwood will start favourites, but have been hit by injuries over the last week.

Luke Ball (groin) and Ben Johnson (ankle) were hurt last weekend and Shane O'Bree rolled his ankle during Friday's training session.

The Demons had to leave out in-form captain James McDonald (hamstring), while Colin Sylvia hasn't recovered in time from his stint in hospital last week.

Sylvia was treated for a blood clot in his foot, but trained on Friday.

"He's a huge loss, he's a very important player, he's a player who can kick multiple goals and is pretty damaging," Bruce said of Sylvia.

"He trained on Friday and seemed to go alright, he was a little bit ginger - I suppose it's not worth the risk at this stage."

Melbourne nearly staged a major upset in round two when they lost to the Magpies by only one point.

Collingwood have won their last five matches against Melbourne and Bruce said it was crucial the Demons improve their first-quarter effort.

"There have been areas where we've been letting ourselves down, particularly our starts - our starts haven't been good," he said.

"Seven goals to (two) in the first quarter against Carlton (last weekend), the game's over.

"That's what we've tried to address and hopefully it's a bit different tomorrow."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP