Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney is in a race to feature in 2026 after coach Steven King revealed he has a fresh injury concern.
Viney has been sidelined with an Achilles problem, but King noted that the leader is dealing with a back issue.
The Demons coach is hopeful the on-baller still has an impact in the second half of the season, but was unable to provide a timeline on his return.
"He's been awesome (for us in a leadership perspective)", King said.
"It's obviously frustrating for him with his Achilles, now his back. He's on track, but couldn't tell you exactly the time frame (of his return) in the back half of the year, but what he does during the week, he sits in the box with us next to Nathan Jones, he travels with the team, he helps all our young mids.
"His influence has been massive off the field, but you'd love your vice captain, and a player as competitive as Jack to be out there.
"Hopefully things run smoothly in the back half of the year so we can get his competitiveness around the ball."
King also revealed that recruit and key forward Brody Mihocek is on track to return as early as next week from a hamstring injury he sustained against Sydney, but will need to jump a few hoops to be available.
Speedster Caleb Windsor remains a test this week against Hawthorn after suffering a toe injury, while Trent Rivers' successful return via the VFL has him in line for an AFL recall.
