MELBOURNE has been dealt a blow with defender Judd McVee ruled out for at least the next six weeks due to a hamstring injury.
McVee suffered a high-grade hamstring injury during the Demons’ training session on Wednesday.
“Judd was having a great pre-season prior to his injury, so it’s disappointing for him to have this setback,” Melbourne general manager of AFL football performance Alan Richardson said.
“He’ll complete a thorough rehab program with the guidance of our medical and high performance teams, and we’re confident he’ll be back in the early part of the season.
“Judd is a professional who attacks everything he does with a great attitude, and we know he’ll apply that same mindset to his rehab.”
McVee has been a constant in Melbourne’s defence in the past two seasons, playing 48 games.
The Dees play North Melbourne in a match simulation on February 22 before taking on Fremantle in the AAMI Community Series on March 2.