MELBOURNE ruckman Max Gawn will make his much-anticipated comeback from injury in next Saturday night's clash with West Coast at Domain Stadium.

The 25-year-old needed surgery to repair the right hamstring he damaged against Geelong in round three.

Demons coach Simon Goodwin confirmed Gawn's return on Sunday afternoon.

"Max Gawn will play next week," Goodwin told radio station 3AW before the Western Bulldogs-Melbourne clash at Etihad Stadium.

"He was very close to playing today.

"It was probably a 50-50 decision but we decided to give him another week at training and he'll be back in next week, so we're looking forward to getting the big fella back."

Gawn, who was first expected to be out for 12 weeks, will have missed nine games if he takes the field against the Eagles next weekend.

Last Sunday, Gawn said he remained on target for an earlier than anticipated return.

"It feels as good as it can," he told Channel Seven.

"I've had two knee reconstructions and tendons taken out of everywhere on this leg, so at the moment, it's going well."

Last year's All Australian ruckman has played 64 games for the Demons since being recruited with pick No.34 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.