Melbourne is refusing to rule out midfield star Jack Viney from opening round contention despite his lingering absence from full training.
Viney, who has been battling achilles soreness, again did limited work on Wednesday in the rehab group at Gosch's Paddock.
But despite the worrying signs as the season rapidly approaches, Zero Hanger can confirm Viney could be back in training in about a fortnight.
Alan Richardson, general manager of AFL performance at the Demons, told Zero Hanger Viney has been making progress.
"We expect him to return to full training in the next few weeks," Richardson said.
"Jack's been managing that achilles soreness, and pleasingly has been making some really positive steps through that rehab."
Achilles injuries can be difficult to shake, and given his age (31), the Demons will take a super-cautious approach even if Viney is the type to push hard for the opening of the season.
He left training to scale the steps nearby at AAMI Park, building up strength in his achilles, as the Demons went through their paces nearby.
Viney is still restricted to running shoes and will have to overcome significant steps to start the season.
Former Magpie Brody Mihocek, who is overcoming a toe injury, remains in the rehab group, but is further advanced than Viney.
Steven May continues to be put through a searching running program off to the side as the main training group gets to work.
