Veteran Demon a chance for timely recall

VETERAN Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd could have a fairytale finish to his career as he prepares for a likely preliminary final return on Friday night.

A major “question mark” yesterday emerged over the fitness of fellow backman Joel Smith, who hurt his hamstring during the Demons’ main training session of the week on Tuesday.

The injury-prone Smith has featured in Melbourne’s past three matches, including in the side’s 33-point qualifying final win over Brisbane.

The Demons are yet to rule

Smith out of their preliminary final clash with Geelong, but have admitted he is under a major cloud.

“I do know that they’ll be looking at Smithy’s leg,” Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert said on SEN radio on Wednesday.

“At this stage, it’s still pretty early in the week. They’ll just have to look at him and see if it settles down and we’ll see how it plays out, but we don’t have a view either way.

“The good thing is he’s the only one with a question mark at the moment. Everyone else is fighting fit and ready to go.”

Hibberd has impressed on the track in recent weeks and shapes as an ideal replacement for Smith.

Hibberd played 14 consecutive games in the middle part of the season, averaging 14.1 disposals, 3.2 rebound 50s and 247 metres gained.

However, he was dropped after round 19 and has played just one senior game since — against Adelaide in round 22 — before being axed again.

Hibberd turns 32 next January and remains without a contract for next season, meaning he could now finish his career with a premiership if he is recalled and the Demons can win two more games.

The former Essendon defender featured in all three finals during Melbourne’s 2018 campaign and also played in one elimination final with the Bombers in 2014, across what has been a 171-game AFL career.

Fellow Melbourne defender Jayden Hunt is also set to come into consideration for Friday night’s clash after completing training on Tuesday.

The speedster had played all 21 games this season before suffering an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the past three matches.

“I think he’s a serious chance,” Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney said on Tuesday when asked if Hunt would return.

“I guess it’s now up to the match committee to determine whether they think he’s ready to roll.”