CO-CAPTAIN Jack Trengove and goalkicking forward Mitch Clark remain in the mix to play in Melbourne’s opening match of the season against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday, March 31.

Football manager Josh Mahoney said the key duo had been working tirelessly in their pursuit to play in round one.

“Jack and Mitch have put together a solid block of training,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“The progress they have both made over the past month suggests that if it was to continue they would be in the mix for an early season return.”

Colin Sylvia and Tom McDonald face tests this week due to ankle injuries.

“Colin sustained a slight ankle injury during [our] NAB Cup round two [match] against Port Adelaide in Renmark; he will be monitored throughout the week,” he said.

“Tom injured his ankle during training last week.

“This was a minor ankle and Tom will also be monitored this week.”

Mahoney said 2010 All-Australian defender James Frawley was on track to return against St Kilda this Saturday at Casey Fields.

“James received a cut above his eye in NAB Cup round one and he’ll be available to play this week,” he said.

Ruckman Max Gawn will miss the start of the season, but Mahoney said the big man was on track with his rehabilitation.

“Max has progressed into completing full training sessions,” he said.

“Max has missed a lot of football and it is now important for him to put together a solid block of full training to prepare him for a return to playing.”

Mahoney indicated that the Demons would monitor their players carefully for the rest of the NAB Cup in the lead-up to the premiership season. 

“During the NAB Cup series, we are taking a conservative approach to all of our players,” he said.

“In general, we would like our players to complete two to three games during the NAB Cup series.”

Round three NAB Cup injury list
Rohan Bail (concussion) – 3 weeks
Sam Blease (ankle) – 3-5 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) – 3-5 weeks
James Frawley (eye laceration) – available
Max Gawn (hamstring) – 4-6 weeks
Tom McDonald (ankle) – test
Colin Sylvia (ankle) – test
Jack Trengove (foot) – 3-5 weeks