INS – Max Gawn, Luke Jackson
OUTS – Sam Weideman, Mitch Brown (omitted)

MELBOURNE’S ruck stocks will be back to full strength on Thursday night, with Max Gawn and Luke Jackson returning to the side’s starting 22.

On Wednesday morning, ahead of the group’s final pre-game session, Simon Goodwin confirmed that Gawn and Jackson would be additions to the Round 17 team.

"They're itching to get out there and play,” Goodwin said.

"They're a big part of our footy team and to get them both back in at once is really exciting."

Mitch Brown and Sam Weideman have been omitted from the side, with Jake Melksham, Adam Tomlinson and Jayden Hunt joining Weideman on the team’s emergency list.

The Demons are gearing up for one of their biggest tests this season, facing second-placed Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

The game will determine the ladder leaders at the end of Round 17 and is a much-anticipated match-up as a modern-day rivalry.

“It's exciting, it feels like a final and our players are looking forward to it," Goodwin said.

"There's a lot of excitement around the group and a lot of energy this week.

"There's no bigger challenge than to head down to Geelong and play on their home ground."

If fans are planning on heading down the highway to catch the game live, tickets are available here.

The match will be broadcast live via the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, with coverage starting from 7:00pm (AEST).

Check out the full Round 17 team below.