Melbourne’s handling of champion ruckman Max Gawn is under the microscope, with concerns raised that the club is running their veteran skipper into the ground.

The 34-year-old played a staggering 92 per cent game time during the Demons’ Wildcard loss to Carlton on Saturday, including a whopping 100 per cent in the final quarter.

But AFL expert Kane Cornes says Melbourne and coach Steven King are in desperate need of a Plan B.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

“I want to get your thoughts on maxing out Max Gawn and how they absolutely cooked Max on the weekend to the point where he was gassed,” Cornes said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.

“I want him to play for another three, four, five years. It’s not going to happen if they continue to do this.

“So what’s Plan B? Like, what are they going to do? Because this can’t continue.” 

Max Gawn’s workload was too much during the Wildcard clash with Carlton. Credit: Seven

Gawn was visibly exhausted late in the match against Carlton and in the final quarter he could only manage two disposals.

Cornes wondered whether out-of-favour Adelaide big man Reilly O’Brien was an option for Melbourne, who could help Gawn do “do some bullocking work” around the ground.

AFL great Luke Hodge noted that forward Jacob van Rooyen — who was suspended for the match — would typically give Gawn a chop out.

“(Carlton ruck Marc) Pitonett, he moved him a couple of times during that third quarter,” Hodge said.

“Max did a great effort to continue on to play 100 per cent. But you’re right, he’s getting to an age where he does need help.

“It was proven when (Brodie) Grundy went there, he’s not a ruckman to do your 50-50.

“But he could play another three or four years if he was doing an 80-20, give him a little bit of a break.

“But that was just too much workload for such a great player.” 

Despite his age, the inspirational big man had another brilliant season and won himself a record ninth All-Australian blazer.

He was also named captain of the All-Australian team.

The Demons’ ball movement also came under scrutiny against Carlton, with their early dominance fading as the match progressed.

In the first quarter, Melbourne retained the ball almost 90 per cent of the time when kicking inside forward 50, with seven of their nine kicks coming from inside 70 metres. They kicked four goals as a result.

However, in the second half, the Demons resorted to bombing the ball from too far back, playing into Carlton’s hands.

“Finals gets to ya ... and sometimes you panic and just blaze away,” Hodge said.

“Reward your teammates. Lower your vision. Understand who’s around you.”