Eagles brace themselves for giant Gawn challenge

“Every week it’s a little game of chess, the ruck battle,” Simpson said.

“There are things you do that can change the way the hitouts are done.

“But Max has probably experienced [people attempting] everything to try to stop him. So he’s got his plan B, C, and D. That’s why he’s hard to stop.”

Another headache facing Simpson is limiting the influence of Melbourne’s star-studded midfield.

Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Jack Viney can all rack up big numbers at the feet of Gawn.

And Petracca can be a weapon in attack as well, as evidenced by his five goals in last week’s one-point loss to Carlton.

Simpson says Melbourne’s midfield is predictable – and he means it as a compliment.

“When I say predictable, it’s not a disrespectful term, it’s they’re predictably good in what they do with their craft and their contest,” Simpson said.

“The four guys they have through the middle are all A-plus players.

“But it’s not just their midfield. I mean, they’re a premiership contender.”

Furthermore, West Coast will again be without star midfielder Elliot Yeo, their best clearance player.

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The Eagles (2-7) have been bolstered by the return of in-form spearhead Jake Waterman, while defender Jeremy McGovern was cleared to play despite last week’s heavy fall.

Melbourne (6-3) welcome back Christian Salem from a hamstring injury, and forward Ben Brown has earned a recall.

Former Crows forward Shane McAdam has been named for his Dees debut.