CO-CAPTAIN Jack Trengove, ruckman Mark Jamar and defender/forward Jack Watts will face fitness tests in the lead up to Sunday’s clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Jamar (groin) and Watts (hamstring) have missed the past two matches, and Trengove was sidelined with a calf problem in round seven.

Football manager Josh Mahoney said the trio would be monitored closely throughout the week.

“Mark and Jack Watts have missed the past couple of weeks with injuries, but they both trained well at the end of last week,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“They’ll build up their training this week, and we’ll give both of them until the end of the week to see if they’re up for selection.

“Jack Trengove had a minor calf [injury] and he missed last week’s game, so again, a call will be made later in the week. We’ll have to see how he progresses to see if he’s available for selection this week.”

Young defender Tom McDonald, who was a late withdrawal against the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG last Sunday, will miss one to two matches with a shoulder problem. 

“Tom hurt his shoulder at training. At this stage, he looks likely to miss this week and we hope he’ll be available the following week,” he said.

Co-captain Jack Grimes (shoulder) and key forward Mitch Clark (foot) are still set to be sidelined until after the mid-season break.

“Mitch returned home to Perth for a week and is back at the club today (Tuesday) and he’ll start his rehab program, now that he’s had his operation.

“Grimesy had his operation last week. He’s been at the club this week, and he’ll have another week of allowing the wound to heal.

“He’ll start to build up the strength around his shoulder in the gym, followed by his conditioning program.”

Rookie Nathan Stark remains sidelined with a groin injury for another two matches.

Round eight Melbourne injury list
Mitch Clark (foot) – 5-7 weeks
Jack Grimes (shoulder) – 6-8 weeks
Mark Jamar (groin) – test
Tom McDonald (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks
Nathan Stark (groin) – 2 weeks
Jack Trengove (calf) – test
Jack Watts (hamstring) – test