Melbourne is sweating on the fitness of Dean Terlich, with the key defender considered a 50/50 chance for the Easter Sunday clash with the Gold Coast SUNS at the MCG.

Terlich enjoyed a successful debut season with the Demons in 2013 averaging 20 disposals in his 20 senior appearances, and is now facing a race against time to back up from last week’s celebrated win over Carlton in which he was substituted out of the match with a groin injury. 

But Dave Mission, the Demons’ elite performance manager, is hopeful the 24-year-old backman will be passed fit by club medical staff.

“He’s pretty good. There was no muscle damage and it was more of a spasm caused by issues with his back, glutes and his hips,” Mission told Dee TV.

“He’s improving every day and he’ll do some running tomorrow (Wednesday) and we expect him to train fully on Friday.

“We hope he’ll be available.”

Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls’ demanding start to 2014 is likely to continue, with big man Max Gawn considered a good chance to return against the GC SUNS this weekend.

The 22-year-old has already come up against high quality ruckmen in the form of Aaron Sandilands, Matthew Leuenberger and David Hale this season, averaging 18 hit-outs in the opening five rounds so far, including 32 taps against Brisbane in QClash 7.

Gawn’s inclusion would be a massive boost for Paul Roos, who welcomed back key forward Chris Dawes and Jordan McKenzie last week. 

“He (Gawn) was really touch and go last week,” Mission said.

“We erred on the side of caution. He did a big session the day that Casey actually played out at Casey Fields and got some really good work in. 

“We expect Max to train this week and play on the weekend.”