Melbourne has provided an injury update on each of Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Ben Brown, James Harmes and skipper Max Gawn.
After being knocked out of the Demons' qualifying final loss to Collingwood during the first term, no time frame has been provided for Brayshaw's return to action, with Melbourne's High Performance Manager, Selwyn Griffith, stating the club had contacted concussion experts on the midfielder's behalf.
“He's integrated into the concussion protocols, and we've sought expert opinions to help support Angus…we're continuing to take that day by day,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.
“There's no set timeframe on when Angus will return this year, it's based on how he progresses through the protocol and also on the advice from the experts around his concussion management.”
Despite both missing training last Sunday due to load management plans, Griffith contended that both Oliver and Gawn will be fit to face Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.
With young spearhead Jacob van Rooyen sidelined due to suspension and veteran Tom McDonald failing to deliver against the Pies, Melbourne fans will welcome the news that Ben Brown is on the mend and could well return for the do-or-die date against the Bluebaggers.
“Ben has been dealing with some ongoing knee soreness,” Griffith added.
“Fortunately for Ben, he trained fully today and will continue to train fully with the squad to be available for AFL selection.”
Harmes may also feature for Simon Goodwin's side, with the utility forward progressing well after presenting with hamstring soreness during the past week.
“[James] had some hamstring soreness at the end of a match-simulation,” Griffith said.
“He's progressed really well this week and will continue to progress day by day to be available for AFL selection.”
Melbourne and Carlton will do battle before a packed MCG crowd on Friday night, with the victor to progress to face Brisbane at the Gabba the following week.
Should the Demons taste defeat, it would see the 2021 premiers earn their second straight-sets finals exit since breaking their flag drought.