Calf strain sidelines Melbourne forward Dawes for a month

Melbourne forward Chris Dawes had admitted that he will not be back playing for the Demons until round three or four as he recovers from a calf injury.

Dawes suffered a calf strain last month, in what had already been an injury interrupted pre-season for the former Collingwood premiership player.

“When I did that, the physio staff were pretty keen, and I agree with their approach, just to take as much time as I need,” he said.

“So when I start phasing back into games through the VFL, I’m right to go and I’m well-conditioned for a good year ahead.”

The 27-year-old, who is out of contract at season's end, has struggled with injuries since joining the Dees at the end of 2012, playing just 44 games in three seasons, but said that while it is frustrating, he is committed to focusing on what he can control.

"The frustrating thing, particularly at this time of year, is that I'm in a heavy training block in the gym, bike riding and building up to running as well, " he said.

"Whereas with all my teammates, their training loads have tapered off and they've got the excitement of games every week now.

"That isolating feeling is no fun but if I start feeling too sorry for myself it's not going to help me at all. I may as well focus on what I can control and that's train hard and get as much work in without rushing things."