Exciting forward Austin Wonaeamirri has regained his passion to play in the AFL, according to Demons coach Dean Bailey.

Melbourne met the 22-year-old while in Darwin on the weekend for their win over Port Adelaide, and Wonaeamirri told them of his desire to build on his 31-game career.

Wonaeamirri returned to the Tiwi Islands almost two months ago in the aftermath of the deaths of his father Matthew and mentor and cousin Maurice Rioli.

He will resume training with the club next week.

"We spoke to Aussie in Darwin and he's certainly given us the indication he wants to come back," Bailey said.

"The only thing that will stop it is if he doesn't get on that plane and doesn't arrive on Thursday.

"As I stand here today Aussie wants to come back and play AFL footy.

"He's made a commitment to us that he'll come back on Thursday to start training with us."

Bailey believed the mercurial Wonaeamirri was now comfortable representing his indigenous culture in Melbourne.

"That was tested when he lost his father and also Maurice," he said.

"Aussie wanted to go back and reconnect with his culture, after he did that he started to feel at ease and the desire to play (AFL) really started to take over.

"He's in a pretty good place."

Wonaeamirri will make his return to football in the VFL at affiliate Casey before being considered for senior selection.

The Demons coach admitted he was surprised at Wonaeamirri's physical condition and didn't rule out him making a return to the AFL ranks later this year.

"I suppose you never say never," Bailey said.

"He looked like he was in reasonable condition to be honest, so maybe he's done a little bit more training than he told us, hunting and fishing sounds like a pretty good pre-season."

Meanwhile, the Demons will next face Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

Bailey said Jack Trengove was on crutches with a cork after the Port game but was walking freely on Monday.

Tom Scully also had a slight knee problem but was also expected to be cleared to play.

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