LEADER Jordie McKenzie is set to return for this Saturday’s practice match against the Gold Coast Suns at Southport.

McKenzie missed last Saturday’s NAB Cup clash against St Kilda at Casey Fields, due to a virus.

“Jordie was a late withdrawal from the game at Casey on the weekend, due to a virus,” football manager Josh Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au

“He’s recovered well and will be available to play on the Gold Coast this Saturday.”

Young gun Jack Viney (neck) is also likely to return this week.

“Jack will also be available to play this week, based on him progressing through the week,” Mahoney said.

But the Demons will be without tall defender Tom McDonald, who has missed the past two matches with an ankle injury.

“Tom injured his ankle at training a couple of weeks ago,” Mahoney said. 

“His progress has been a little bit slower than first anticipated.

“He has started running and we expect him to be available, if required, next week.”

Mahoney said the Demons will take its best possible team to Queensland.

“We’ll take our strongest available side to Gold Coast on Saturday,” he said.

“There is some flexibility in the number of interchanges and the game time for this week’s game, so we are discussing that.”

Injury list
Rohan Bail (concussion) – 3 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) – 2-4 weeks
Max Gawn (hamstring) – 3-5 weeks
Jack Trengove (foot) – 2-4 weeks
Sam Blease (ankle) – 2-4 weeks
Chris Dawes (hamstring) – test
Tom McDonald (ankle) – 1 week
Jordie McKenzie (virus) – available
Jack Viney (neck) – test