DEMONS DOWN IN NUMBERS
MELBOURNE will lose Christian Salem for Friday night’s AFL clash against Sydney, with Jeff Garlett and Jack Watts also in doubt.
Salem is set to miss several weeks after injuring his hamstring in Saturday night’s thrilling three- point win over West Coast.
Garlett also hurt his hamstring and is no certainty to play, particularly with the Dees facing their third six- day break in as many weeks.
The clever small forward has been in excellent form and would be a big loss for Melbourne, who have surged to fifth on the ladder after winning their past four games.
Ruckman Max Gawn remains hopeful that Garlett might be available for a clash between the two form sides of the competition.
“Jeffy played out the game. I know when I did my hamstring I definitely couldn’t play out the games so I think he could be OK,” he said.
“( Salem) looked pretty sore. He said he felt a grab up in Perth, so I’m presuming that would be your normal three to four- week type thing.”
Key forward Watts must also prove his fitness for the MCG blockbuster after a week on the sidelines with a hamstring issue. He will need to get through tomorrow’s main training session.
Spearhead Jesse Hogan is unlikely to be considered as he continues his recovery from testicular cancer.
In better news for the Demons, co- captain Jack Viney is considered likely to be available despite being forced to the rooms after a heavy bump from West Coast enforcer Shannon Hurn.
There were fears Viney may have injured his AC joint after Hurn cannoned into his shoulder in the third quarter.
But the young gun returned and dragged Melbourne over the line in the final term, finishing with 38 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.
Viney evened the ledger with Hurn during his hugely influential final term, ironing out the Eagles skipper with a fierce, high bump.