KEY forward Chris Dawes (calf) and ruckman Jake Spencer (plantar fascia) remain sidelined until at least the latter part of April.
Elite performance manager Dave Misson said the big men were Melbourne’s longest term injuries at the moment, with Dawes out for another three to four weeks and Spencer sidelined for four to six.
“Dawesy did his first session with the group today (Wednesday), which was really good and he’s had a very good rehab,” Misson told Melbourne TV.
“He probably needs three weeks of training at least, before he plays.
“Jake started running outside today, so he’s probably four to six weeks away from playing, but he’s progressing pretty well.”
Misson said Christian Petracca and Jack Trengove were making good strides in their road back to the AFL.
“Christian was involved in the match simulation last week, but both will play varying minutes this week against Box Hill in the VFL, but they’re pretty excited about it, as we are to see them back,” he said.
Ruckman Max King suffered a similar injury to defender Oscar McDonald in last week’s VFL intra-club hit-out and will also have to prove his fitness before playing this weekend.
“Really, it was a pretty similar mechanism to Oscar,” Misson said.
“Both of them are at similar stages of rehab, so Max will again run with Oscar tomorrow (Thursday) and look to train on Friday.
“Both of those guys will be a test for the weekend.”
Injury list
Max King (ankle) – test
Oscar McDonald (ankle) – test
Jake Spencer (plantar fascia) – 4-6 weeks
Chris Dawes (calf) – 3-4 weeks
