MELBOURNE is approaching its much-anticipated clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night as an opportunity to prove its big-game credentials.

The fourth-placed Demons could make up to three changes for the clash with the seventh-placed Power, with Dom Tyson, Jeff Garlett, Billy Stretch and potential debutant Harrison Petty all being considered for selection.

The Demons failed in their last attempt to enhance their reputation, their top-four aspirations taking a hit when they suffered a 42-point Queen's Birthday loss to Collingwood.

"We're not oblivious ... the noise is that we can't play in these types of games, so it's another opportunity for us to grow," coach Simon Goodwin told reporters on Tuesday.

"Those narratives we've changed along the way, (winning) at Etihad, (beating) St Kilda and North Melbourne.

"Our players are looking forward to that challenge."

The Demons have lost the clearance battle in their last two starts against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood. and are pondering bringing in Tyson to reinforce their onball crew.

Tyson, who has not played since round eight against Gold Coast, has been in stellar form for the Casey Demons, and racked up 36 disposals against Collingwood's VFL side in his last game before the bye.

"I'm really happy with what our midfield is capable of and I'm looking forward to seeing them respond, especially around the clearance and stoppage area," Goodwin said.

"Dom Tyson's in some really good form, as is Jeff Garlett, Billy Stretch as well so there's some options there. We'll have match committee later today and we'll make a decision tonight."

In good news for the Demons, tall defender Oscar McDonald (concussion) and Neville Jetta (shoulder) are available for selection in Friday night's clash.

Goodwin said Petty was a realistic chance of playing his first AFL game this week.

"He's in a really good form. He played a really strong VFL game just before the break and we'll discuss that at match committee, but he's really starting to push his claims," Goodwin said.

Goodwin is confident Christian Petracca can recapture his best form after a down period in recent weeks.

Petracca has still averaged 20.6 disposals and has kicked eight goals for the season, but there have been slight queries on the impact he has been having on games.

"'Trac's' a developing player. He's increased his midfield time, he's played forward. He's continuing to grow his game, people externally have a lot of high expectations on Christian," Goodwin said.

"Internally we think he's developing into the type of player we want him to become. He's developing some great habits around his game both in the contest and defensively, some things that don't necessarily get recognised externally.

"We're really happy with how he's developing, and we're really confident he's not that far away from having a real breakout period."

Former Demon Jack Watts appears unlikely to win a recall for Port Adelaide to face his old club despite kicking three goals in the SANFL last weekend.

"How we play won't change how Jack plays or doesn't play. Jack was a really big part of our footy club for a long period of time. He's started a new journey at Port Adelaide and with that takes some time to settle in as well," Goodwin said.

"We just wish him all the best for whatever happens."