The Lance Franklin fear factor means Melbourne look set to rush back defender James Frawley to help triple-team the Hawthorn star on Sunday.

Frawley has not played at all in the AFL pre-season after tearing his pectoral muscle off the bone while training.

The key defender was expected to miss a few weeks of the home-and-away season.

But the spectre of Franklin wreaking havoc in the goalsquare at the MCG on Sunday has led to Frawley, Melbourne's best defender, being fast-tracked towards a showdown with the star Hawk.

If Frawley gets through the Demons' final training session on Friday, he can expect to take turns with Jared Rivers and Colin Garland in trying to quell Franklin's influence.

"All indicators are that he'll probably be more likely play," Bailey said of Frawley.

"He's hit all the markers our medical people want him to, our fitness people want him to.

"Himself, Garland, Rivers - we've got three guys to pick from and Chipper (Frawley) is the sort of bloke who really enjoys the challenge."

The Hawks will also have former Demon Cameron Bruce lining up.

Bruce quit the Demons amid a contract dispute at the end of last season - wanting a two-year deal instead of the one he was offered by Melbourne.

With Melbourne's youth policy leading to veterans like James McDonald finding themselves on the scrapheap, Bruce decided to seek shelter at Hawthorn and will be out to improve on a quiet debut last weekend against Adelaide.

Bailey said Bruce had been a good servant to the Demons but would be treated no differently to any other opposition player.

"Cameron will be keen to do well, but so will we," Bailey said.

"He's no longer with us. Our attitude and approach will be no different."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP