AFTER a torturous run with injuries in 2019, Melbourne has finally received some good news this week.

Jake Lever, Neville Jetta, Kade Chandler and Declan Keilty are all edging closer to full fitness, while a number of other Demons are continuously on the improve.

During the second quarter of the Dees’ loss to Brisbane on Sunday, ruckman Max Gawn went down with a severely rolled ankle, but he too is on track to play again in Round 16.

“We’ll try to get Max out on Thursday to have a bit of a run, but we’ll probably give him to the last minute before we make a final decision,” Elite Performance Manager David Misson told Melbourne Media.

Lever is also in the frame for selection, looking to return from bone bruising which he suffered on Queen’s Birthday.

“Jake trained with the VFL boys today, so he’ll likely play this week, he’s just got to get through training on Thursday,” Misson said.

“The knee is completely fine now, so he’s going really well.”

Chandler (corked hip) and Keilty (ankle) both sat out last week’s VFL game but are expected to return from respective injuries via Casey this week, with Keilty recovering ahead of schedule.

In a further boost for the reserves side, Jetta is hoping to make his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury sustained in Round 5.

“Nev trained with the VFL boys today and did a big session with Lever on Saturday,” Misson said.

“He’s looking to play some restricted minutes in the VFL this week.”

Jake Melksham won’t be returning just yet, but he is taking steps forward with his foot, slowly increasing his training workload.

“Jake had his first run outside today and ran pretty well, so we’re hoping for a smooth transition into agility and full training,” Misson said.

Kade Kolodjashnij is also showing positive signs in his recovery from concussion, although there is no rush to get him back on the park.

“He’s pretty much cleared of most of his symptoms,” Misson said.

“He’s been doing some spin bike work and work in the gym. He’ll likely have a run outside on Saturday and it’s then about how quickly we want to progress his running and his training.”

Finally, Billy Stretch, who has missed two weeks now, won’t be playing prematurely as he continues to monitor that foot.

“We’re just taking Billy a little bit cautiously because it’s an area he’s had problems with before,” Misson said.

“We just want to see how his first few runs go before we put a timeline on his return to play.”

Check out the full injury list below:

Injury List

Kade Chandler | Hip – Test

Max Gawn | Ankle – Test

Declan Keilty | Ankle – Test

Jake Lever | Knee – Test

Neville Jetta | Knee – Test

Jake Melksham | Foot – 3-4 weeks

Tom Sparrow | Knee – 4-5 weeks

Kade Kolodjashnij | Head – TBC

Billy Stretch | Foot – TBC

Aaron vandenBerg | Foot – TBC

Jeff Garlett | Shoulder – Season

Joel Smith | Groin – Season

Aaron Nietschke | Knee – Season

Guy Walker | Shoulder – Indefinite