MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 21: Michael Hibberd of the Demons marks during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock on February 21, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd has suffered a setback in his bid to debut for his new side in round one.

Hibberd, who was suspended for the 2016 season due to his part in the Bombers' 2012 supplements saga, will miss this week's JLT Series clash with West Coast due to an Achilles injury.

“We’re just managing some Achilles soreness really. He pulled up a little bit sore after Friday’s session,” Elite performance manager Dave Misson told the club's website.

“It got stomped on during the session and it’s still a bit sore today (Monday), so we’re getting a bit more information.

“It’s really going to be a management thing, so we’re not going to play him this week and we’ll look to build him up again for round one.”

“We’re conscious that he’s had 12 months out of the game.

“He’s only had one game since coming back and we want to make sure that he’s cherry ripe before going back out there.”

Hibberd joined the Demons on a four-deal during last year's trade period in exchange for picks 29 and 68, while the Dons also sent pick 59 to Melbourne.