MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey said on Friday he was not prepared to risk ruckman Jeff White against West Coast this round, with the 2004 club best-and-fairest winner still struggling with a knee injury.

Bailey said Paul Johnson remained in the 22 although the club initially intended to leave him out for this match due to an impending hip operation next week.

But with White missing, Bailey said former Eagle Johnson had to stay in the side.

"Jeff White had a Sunday game [in the VFL] and then backed up with a Friday night game, so he's probably pulled up a little sore," Bailey said at Junction Oval.

"And 'P.J' is in for a hip operation next week, so he's playing.

"Earlier in the week, we thought [he'd go] in for a hip operation next week and not play at all this weekend to ensure that the operation would go ahead, but Jeff's a little bit sore, so [we said:] 'Paul, you've got to play for us and we expect you to contribute and help us win the game'.

"Not that we've delayed the operation, but we're making him play this week and he's really happy to play as well. He's very, very keen to play against West Coast, because he's obviously played there before."

Bailey was adamant it was too risky to play White, who was a late call-up last round when fellow ruckman Mark Jamar withdrew from the side at the last minute with a virus.

"Jeff's a guy who doesn't miss training. The risk of playing him wasn't worth playing him," Bailey said.

"He's a very proud bloke, Jeff White,and he's pushed himself to levels before to actually play. I don't want his performance on Saturday to be reflective of the fact that he's just not quite ready to go."

On the playing future of White, and another Melbourne club champion Adem Yze, Bailey said a decision was nearing.

"We're getting closer to it – there's no doubt about that," Bailey said. "We'll probably have a chat with them at some stage next week.

"They've been very professional and [it's] maybe cost them a couple of games at the expense of our young players. I think that's where the club's at and I think most people would understand that.

"You could argue that it's been unfair for those two players, but I think it's been a Melbourne Football Club decision more than anything else."