Melbourne has lost three key players for this weekend’s round one clash with Fremantle, coach Simon Goodwin confirmed on Wednesday.

Goodwin said Michael Hibberd, Jake Melksham and Jack Viney had all been ruled out of Saturday’s match at the MCG in a massive blow for the Demons.

Viney underwent surgery to relieve foot soreness in late January while Melksham has been battling a hamstring complaint.

Hibberd was pushing for a round one return after being sidelined with an ankle injury during the pre-season.

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“We want to pick a fairly fit side,” Goodwin said on 3AW.

“Hibberd played his first game for Casey and Melksham’s playing his first game this week.

“Viney’s also playing his first game for Casey (this week) so those guys won’t be available.

“But there’s some young guys pushing.”

One of those players is West Aussie top five draft pick Luke Jackson.

The rookie big man is heading into his second year at the Dees and will partner ruck star Max Gawn against the Dockers.

“It’s in our plans anyway to get (Gawn) forward and giving Luke Jackson some time in the ruck,” Goodwin revealed.

“I think it will be more 70 per cent ruck and 30 per cent forward for big Maxy.”

Goodwin said while it was disappointing to lose three players for round one, there was good news for concussed defender Steven May.

“So far he’s passed everything. It’s 12 days of really strict protocols,” Goodwin said.

“He did his contested work today and did full training.

“Now he’s just got to wake up and not feel too bad and he’ll get the all clear to play.”

The Demons will already be without forwards Ben Brown and Sam Weideman who are both recovering from knee injuries.

Goodwin said he expects the duo to return to footy via the VFL in April.