Hobbled Viney in a race to face Lions

MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney has pulled up lame and remains in doubt for Sunday’s game against Brisbane.

Viney, 23, was on crutches yesterday getting around the club’s headquarters at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The Demons last night confirmed the precautionary measure and Viney will be reassessed at training tomorrow.

Viney was below his damaging best in the Demons’ season-defining win over St Kilda.

The inspirational leader collected 21 disposals and five clearances in the 24-point win, but could only muster one tackle, his lowest tackling count since Round 9, 2015.

Viney had surgery on his foot last month to repair a plantar fascia injury and returned three weeks ahead of schedule.

The father-son jet, originally slated to miss up to six weeks, missed only two matches – playing 19 days after surgery. Viney has been slightly down on production since going under the knife.

Melbourne kept its finals hopes alive at the weekend, blasting St Kilda in the first half at the MCG before defying a gallant comeback.

A host of Demons put their hands up for senior selection helping VFL affiliate Casey defeat Northern Blues. Silken midfielder Christian Salem, Ben Kennedy and Billy Stretch were among the major contributors, while out-of-favour star Jack Watts must be considered after being dumped last week.