Melbourne coach Steven King confirmed experienced midfielder Jack Viney will play VFL this weekend but lamented the fact he couldn't play last week.
Viney has been sidelined all year with a back and Achilles issue, but will line up for the Casey Demons against Box Hill in the final home-and-away round of the VFL on Sunday.
King did stop short of locking in the bullocking on-baller into the senior side, especially given how well the team is performing.
"We'll have looks at different opportunities for Jack. We know he can play inside (midfield). We'll have looks at him in different roles to add flexibility. Obviously with five on the bench, it gives us flexibility with the team," King said.
"But I'm sure everyone on the weekend who played will try and stake their claims as part of the team. It's healthy having competition for spots with Jack, with Xavier Lindsay playing VFL level. Christian Salem has come back in. It's nice to have depth, some pressure for spots."
King isn't impressed with the lack of alignment between the AFL and VFL, saying it makes it difficult for fringe players to develop.
The Casey Demons have had six byes this year.
"We'll probably reach out to a couple of other clubs who are in similar positions to us whose VFL season will finish up," King said.
"So, probably get on the phones to ring a couple Melbourne clubs who are in a similar spot to us and try organise a scratch match. Obviously not ideal, but it's better than training.
"There's been discussions. We attempted to get one last week for our team, but it was a bit late to organise. At the moment, I feel like you're a senior coach and trying to do VFL fixtures. It makes it tough. I feel for our players. They're professional footballers and want to play.
"We have to make sure our second tier footy aligns with the AFL season."
Melbourne livewire Latrelle Pickett will also feature in the VFL as he returns from a concussion injury he sustained in Round 20 against Geelong.
The Demons reiterated and emphasised the importance of looking after his physical and mental health, whilst reaffirming professional standards, according to the Herald Sun.
"Bit of a non-story for me," King said.
"So I was surprised I heard something was in the paper today. He's a first-year player still finding the balance of what it is to be a professional. For me, there was no sanction. No conversation. I was surprised there was an article about it."
