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Angus Brayshaw's switch to the wing has helped open doors for teammates in the midfield and drive Melbourne's climb up the AFL ladder this season.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has lauded Angus Brayshaw's on-field transformation as an indicator of the selfless attitude that is driving the AFL flag favourites before their Queen's Birthday meeting with Collingwood.

Brayshaw made his name as a tough inside midfielder and finished third in the Brownlow Medal count three years ago playing that role, averaging career-best numbers in disposals, contested possessions and clearances.

But a switch to the wing over the past 12 months has dramatically altered the 25-year-old's focus and opened doors for his teammates.

Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca have relished added responsibility in the engine room while James Harmes, Tom Sparrow and James Jordon have stepped up this season.

The results have spoken for themselves, with the ladder-leading Demons (11-1) mounting a genuine push to end their 57-year flag drought as they head towards their Queen's Birthday meeting with Collingwood.

"It's a sign of the maturity of the group ... the willingness to play roles that will help the team," Goodwin said.

"We've seen a skill set in Angus for a long time now where his decision-making on the outside helps the team.

"It enables other guys on the inside where their strengths (are) to get to work.

"Angus's role doesn't go unnoticed in our environment and he's been a very important player for us."

Brayshaw's fellow wingman Ed Langdon returns from a week out with concussion for the showdown with the Magpies, who will be charged by the emotion of outgoing coach Nathan Buckley's final match at the helm.

Experienced utility Chris Mayne and Beau McCreery are back for Collingwood, while Brayden Sier is out with a jaw injury.

The past three Melbourne-Collingwood Queen's Birthday meetings (2017-2019) have drawn crowds of more than 70,000 at the MCG.

Goodwin is hopeful a relatively strong Demons crowd will be on hand at Monday's clash, which was moved to SCG because of Victoria's COVID-19 outbreak

"It is a shame that we're not at the MCG but last week we saw our supporters come out in fine voice at Giants Stadium, so we know there are plenty of supporters in Sydney," Goodwin said.

"We want to get them to the SCG and make it a great occasion."