Max Gawn set to miss Melbourne’s showdown with Essendon on Saturday night

After limping in to the club on Monday on crutches hopeful Melbourne captain’s hopes his injury wasn’t too bad have been dashed.

Max Gawn is troubled by an ankle injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Melbourne captain Max Gawn will miss at least two matches including Saturday night’s bumper clash with Essendon after scans on an ankle injury he says was “pretty sore” revealed a chip to the base of his fibula.

Gawn suffered the injury in the last minute of the second quarter of Sunday’s win over West Coast after his foot collided with Harley Reid’s leg.

He tried to play on in the second half of the Demons’ 54-point win before being substituted out of the game in the last quarter.

Gawn arrived at the club on Monday on crutches and wearing a moon boot and said he was likely to miss the MCG clash before the club confirmed the full extent.

“Scans have today shown that Max has sustained a chip to the base of his right fibula,” Demons general manager of AFL performance Alan Richardson said.

“While this is disappointing news for Max, fortunately he won’t require surgery.

“Max is the ultimate professional and leader and we know he’ll attack his rehab and continue to play a pivotal role in our group over the next few weeks, albeit from the sidelines.

“While Max is the calibre of player that can’t be replaced easily, it provides an exciting opportunity for others to come in and play their role in our side.”

Max Gawn says he’s unlikely to play against Essendon. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Gawn said he wanted to be “optimistic” but was feeling the pain on Monday morning.

“It’s pretty sore, I must admit. I woke up very sore. Obviously, played the second half in a bit of distress,” he said.

“At this stage, I’m thinking that (I will miss), just because of how sore it is, but I’ve seen some stuff that the human body can do and it can certainly turn around pretty quickly.

“I’m always looking quite optimistic at these things. I don’t exactly know what it really is yet so we’re waiting for a bit of information. I’m sure we’ll get it to you this afternoon. I’d say it’s more of a short-term thing – I’m hoping – but it is pretty sore.”

The Demons are short of experienced ruck options, with former Brisbane big man Tom Fullarton, who was an emergency for the game against West Coast, likely to come in for Gawn.

Key forward Jacob van Rooyen has been helping Gawn but showed his worth as a forward by booting four goals against the Eagles.