Melbourne premiership forward undergoes surgery following unique incident

Melbourne's Bailey Fritsch has had surgery on a hand injury sustained breaking up a fight between his dogs.

It is believed the injury is not too serious, but the time Fritsch misses will be dependent on how the wound heals.

Fritsch's absence is untimely given the new era under Steven King with a clash against St Kilda in Round 1.

The crafty forward featured in both of the Demons' practice games. He kicked one goal from 11 touches against Richmond.

To fill the Fritsch-sized void, King could look to recruits Max Heath and Brody Mihocek, although the latter will need to tick off concussion protocols and prove his fitness before Round 1.

Melbourne signed Casey Demons forward Paddy Cross after Steven May's retirement, and is option to take on the Saints.

Jacob van Rooyen is set to take the mantle as the Demons' No.1 forward.

The unusual injury is reminiscent of Collingwood gun Jordan De Goey's narrative he spun in 2017.

De Goey had surgery on his right hand, and said the injury was caused when he was playing with his pet dog.

However, news came to light that the injury was sustained in a bar fight in St Kilda.

He was suspended for three matches and fined $5,000 for lying.