How Neil Craig must wish that Kurt Tippett somehow ended up at Melbourne.

Two years after last coaching Tippett at Adelaide, Craig remains a big fan of the key forward.

Their AFL paths will cross again at the MCG on Sunday when Craig coaches Melbourne and Tippett lines up for Sydney in their match at the MCG.

After months of speculation, Tippett controversially left the Crows at the end of last season and eventually went to the Swans.

But he first had to serve an 11-match suspension after an AFL investigation found Tippett and Adelaide guilty of breaching salary cap and draft rules.

Tippett returned in round 13 and has kicked four goals in his first two games as a Swan.

“There’s not too many guys in the competition as big as Kurt, as strong as Kurt and as ferocious in the mind as Kurt,” Craig said.

“That’s one of his greatest strengths, he’s a fantastic competitor, having coached him.”

Regardless of Tippett’s talent, Craig is also confident that the Demons have enough defensive strength to handle him.

“We’ve got James Frawley who I thought was exceptional last week and against Hawthorn he was outstanding against (Lance) Franklin until he hurt his hamstring,” Craig said.

“We’ve got Tom McDonald … (and) enough guys down there in terms of flexibility in case he gets out of control.”

Sydney should win, but the Demons’ tails are up after their win last Saturday night over the Western Bulldogs.

While they also nearly blew the match, it was a crucial confidence boost for Melbourne in Craig’s second game as caretaker coach.

Highlights have been rare this year for the Demons, who have sacked coach Mark Neeld and also let go chief executive Cameron Schwab.

Craig has called on his struggling team to rise to the massive challenge that comes with taking on Sydney and their relentless pressure.

“They’re a great combative side,” Craig said.

“Our guys are in for a game that’s going to be fantastic for the development right now and for where we want to go.”

Craig also noted that Sydney have continued to impress despite a long injury list.

For example Jarrad McVeigh is now playing off half-back, rather than in the midfield.

“It’s been different, but it’s been good,” McVeigh said of the change.

“With the number of injuries that we’ve had, a lot of players have had to change their roles and I’m one of those.

“I’m enjoying it on the half-back line – I’ve had to learn a different role, which is something I enjoy.”