MELBOURNE will be without Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett and Jesse Hogan for its huge Friday night MCG blockbuster against fellow form side Sydney.
Watts did not play in Saturday's thrilling three-point win over West Coast due to a hamstring injury and coach Simon Goodwin said the club wouldn't risk the versatile forward against the Swans.
The former No.1 draft pick didn't join teammates on Gosch's Paddock as the Melbourne players were put through their paces for a little over an hour in a reasonably light session.
"He's still a little sore in his hamstring so we're just treating that the way we should do over these short breaks," Goodwin said.
"We're just making sure we get those guys right.
"We haven't ruled him (Watts) out (for next week's game against Carlton). He can certainly run up to a normal speed but he can't quite hit top pace at the moment."
Jeff Garlett, who hurt his hamstring in the win over the Eagles, jogged laps alongside co-captain Nathan Jones (quad) and was also ruled out by Goodwin.
"We said through this period that if anyone was sore we wouldn't take a risk with them so Jeffy is tight in his hamstring and we'll get him assessed early next week," Goodwin said.
Star forward Jesse Hogan, who trained with the main group as he pushed his case to play his first game since round seven, will spend at least one more week on the sidelines despite the club foreshadowing his potential availability on Monday.
The Demons spearhead, who had surgery last month to remove testicular cancer, moved well during the session. He had plenty of work done on his lower back and hip area as part of his ongoing management.
Melbourne is remaining cautious with his recovery, particularly after a disjointed start to the season in which Hogan played only four of the first seven games.
"It's good to have Jesse doing some full training,” Goodwin said.
"He's getting very close and he's getting very eager to start playing soon.
"He's got a few big sessions to come over the next six to seven days. He's tracking along really well and we're encouraged by how he's progressing."
The Demons will be forced to make one further change with Christian Salem already ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury.
Goodwin nominated Josh Wagner, who appears to be the most suitable replacement for Salem, Ben Kennedy, Dean Kent, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Mitch White as the players to come into discussion at match committee.
"We know that as a club, to be successful, we've got to have a deep squad.
"We've used 35 players so far this year. We've got some senior players out of the team at the moment.
"It does test us, but in some ways it's a great opportunity."
Second-year forward Sam Weideman booted six goals (including five in the first half) in a dominant display for Casey against Box Hill in the VFL on Saturday.
It was the type of performance that puts Weideman, dropped after the Demons' loss to North Melbourne in round nine, back in the selection hunt.
"The history of the game will tell you that playing as a key position player, especially as a tall forward, is tough to come in and have an immediate impact," Goodwin said.
"To go back and kick six goals was terrific confidence for Sam."
Simon Goodwin confirms Jesse Hogan, Jack Watts and Jeff Garlett won't play against the Swans
