MELBOURNE forward Mitch Hannan won't be part of the Demons' bid to beat Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday, succumbing to a persistent knee problem.

Hannan returned to Melbourne's senior side last week and kicked three goals from 13 disposals, but had already missed a fortnight with a knee injury in July.

Jay Kennedy Harris earns a reprieve as Hannan's replacement, after playing five straight games between rounds 17 and 21.

The Demons need to defeat the Giants to secure fifth spot and a home final against Geelong, but a loss will see them finish eighth and travel to face GWS again in two weeks' time.

Melbourne has won two of the past three clashes between the clubs, including a two-point win at the MCG in 2016, but lost the most recent match in round 20 last year by 35 points in Canberra.

Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

LATE CHANGES

Melbourne: Mitch Hannan replaced in selected side by Jay Kennedy Harris

GWS: No change

FINAL INTERCHANGES

Melbourne: Angus Brayshaw, Jay Kennedy Harris, Sam Weideman, Bayley Fritsch

GWS: Isaac Cumming, Brent Daniels, Zac Williams, Dylan Buckley