CO-CAPTAIN Jack Trengove and key forward Mitch Clark have been removed from the club’s injury list and will now be monitored throughout the week to see if they are ready to play in Melbourne’s season opener against Port Adelaide.
Football manager Josh Mahoney said the duo would be put through their paces this week, before being named for Sunday’s clash against the Power at the MCG.
“Both Jack and Mitch played three quarters of the game last weekend for Casey and both pulled up well,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“A decision will be made during the week on whether they are ready for AFL.”
Trengove and Clark have both overcome foot injuries, with the former sidelined just before Melbourne’s Northern Territory pre-season camp, and the latter since round 13 against Greater Western Sydney last year.
Mahoney said big men Chris Dawes (hamstring) and Tom McDonald (ankle) will face fitness tests, but runner Rohan Bail (concussion) will miss round one.
“Both Chris and Tom will be joining full training, and they will be monitored during the week,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“Rohan is getting close to returning to be available to play.
“He’s been cleared to join in training.”
Melbourne had nine listed players feature for Casey in its loss to Port Melbourne at Casey Fields last Saturday.
Mahoney said leader Jordie McKenzie, young gun recruit Jack Viney and dasher Sam Blease “all got through fine”.
Ruckman Max Gawn (hamstring) and fellow big man Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) will be tested, but rookie Nathan Stark (knee) will be sidelined for three weeks.
Round 1 injury list
Rohan Bail (concussion) – 1 week
Max Gawn (hamstring) – test
Chris Dawes (hamstring) – test
Tom McDonald (ankle) – test
Nathan Stark (knee) – 3 weeks
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) – test
Trengove, Clark 50/50 for round one
Key Demons Jack Trengove and Mitch Clark will find out later in the week if they will play in round one, after overcoming foot injuries