Football manager Josh Mahoney said some Demons who were coming back from injury or needed extra game time could play in the VFL development league at Box Hill City Oval, this Saturday at 11am.
“With the AFL bye coinciding with the Casey seniors’ bye, this has benefits for the majority of players who can take a break away from the club,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“However, for a few players who are returning from injury, we believe that it is important for them to play a game and we will ask for approval for them to play in Casey’s development team on Saturday.”
Melbourne has four players on its list facing fitness tests: Rohan Bail (test), Clint Bartram (knee), Brad Green (groin) and Ricky Petterd (hamstring). They will be aiming to play after the break.
Mahoney said Bail would be monitored in the lead-up to Melbourne’s round 13 clash against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
“Rohan’s symptoms are improving each day and he’s being closely monitored and we anticipate that he will be available after the bye,” he said.
Mahoney was hopeful Petterd would also return after the mid-season break.
“Ricky hurt his hamstring during the Casey game last weekend and we expect he will be available after the bye,” he said.
Forward Liam Jurrah (2-4 weeks) and utility Neville Jetta (3-5 weeks) remain sidelined with ankle injuries, while rookie Michael Evans is another 5-7 weeks away, due to a back injury.
Ruckman Max Gawn (knee) and youngster Rory Taggert (back) are out long-term.
Round 12/13 injury list
Rohan Bail (concussion) - test
Clint Bartram (knee) - test
Michael Evans (back) - 5-7 weeks
Max Gawn (knee) - season
Brad Green (groin) - test
Neville Jetta (ankle) - 3-5 weeks
Liam Jurrah (ankle) - 2-4 weeks
Ricky Petterd (hamstring) - test
Rory Taggert (back) - indefinite
