MELBOURNE big man Ben Holland made a successful return from a shoulder injury for Sandringham in the VFL on Sunday, kicking four goals against Tasmania

Demons football operations manager Ross Monaghan said Holland, who kicked three goals in his one Melbourne appearance this year against Hawthorn in round nine, had been a week-to-week proposition ever since, due to his shoulder problem.

"Benny Holland played his first game for a number of weeks now and he kicked four goals and had a good game," Monaghan told melbournefc.com.au.

Reigning dual best-and-fairest winner James McDonald, who flew to Perth as an emergency for Melbourne's clash against Fremantle on Sunday, was not quite ready to return, although he could've taken the field at a pinch, according to Monaghan.

"He could've played, but only about 50 to 60 per cent of the game and we decided to take him over – we didn't entertain the thought of him playing for Sandringham – but we took him as a precaution, just in case he had to step in at the last minute," Monaghan said.

"But it would've been limited game time, so we preferred not to play him."

Monaghan said veterans Adem Yze and Jeff White, who were both emergencies in round 16, were both "in good form" during Sandringham's 87-point win.

Backman Nathan Carroll was again "solid" and defender/midfielder Jace Bode had a "good game on the wing", while first-year Demon Addam Maric also impressed and is "really pushing for senior selection".

Former Adelaide ruckman John Meesen didn't play on the weekend due to illness.

Meanwhile, Monaghan said first-round draftee Jack Grimes, who was selected at No.14 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, but has battled back and groin injuries this season, was progressing positively via the Sandringham seconds.

"He's playing at Sandy seconds on purpose and is only having limited game time, as part of a long-term strategy, so we only want him to play there so he can get conditioned, before he plays Sandy seniors," Monaghan said.

"So regardless of his form, he won't be considered for Sandy seniors for at least another two or three weeks and that's just part of his conditioning program."