MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney will miss Saturday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
After being selected in the 22 on Thursday night, it was revealed late on Friday that Viney had some early signs of stress in his toe, which sidelined him late last year and into the early part of this season.
Mitch Hannan will replace Viney in the team for the clash against the Bulldogs. Dom Tyson, Cam Pedersen and Sam Weideman are the other emergencies.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Viney would be monitored in the coming days.
“Jack alerted our medical team to some discomfort he was experiencing in his toe late on Friday,” he told Melbourne Media.
“A scan on Friday showed signs of stress in his toe. Whilst there is no crack, given his recent injury history, we have decided the best course of action is to withdraw Jack from today’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.
“We will have further clarity on a timeframe early next week, although at this stage, we do expect Jack to return during the latter part of the season.”
Viney made his AFL comeback this year in round nine – Melbourne’s win over Carlton at the MCG – after spending the week before with the Casey Demons, as he prepared for his return.
Not surprisingly, Viney has been a strong performer across his seven matches for Melbourne this season.
The 24-year-old has played 95 matches for Melbourne since making his AFL debut in round one, 2013.
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs at the MCG, 4.35pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Melbourne: Jack Viney (toe) replaced in selected side by Mitch Hannan
Western Bulldogs: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Melbourne: Christian Petracca, Bernie Vince, Jay Kennedy Harris, Alex Neal-Bullen
Western Bulldogs: Josh Schache, Patrick Lipinski, Caleb Daniel, Brad Lynch
