Melbourne have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the start of the 2018 AFL Season, with Jack Viney and Tom McDonald ruled out through injury for 6-8 weeks.
Demons co-captain Viney has suffered through the pre-season with a foot injury, while versatile big man McDonald has been hampered by a persistent toe injury.
Both were initially ruled out of Melbourne's Round 1 clash with Geelong on Sunday, but coach Simon Goodwin told reporters this morning that both players injuries were worse than first thought.
In better news for the Demons, Goodwin confirmed that best and fairest Clayton Oliver will line-up against the Cats on Sunday, while Bayley Fritsch will make his debut.