Melbourne will assess superstar Clayton Oliver in the coming days after the Demons ball-magnet suffered a thumb injury in Thursday night's loss to Geelong.
Oliver was left holding his right hand after it was struck by the boot of Cats captain Joel Selwood, who had attempted to kick the ball mid-air as Oliver reached to gain possession early into the final quarter of the match.
After being awarded a free kick and soon disposing of the ball, Oliver continued to grimace in pain before eventually making his way to the sidelines to gain medical treatment.
Demons medicos aided the onballer, who soon had his right thumb taped up before returning to the field.
Oliver was able to play out the match, but fears the 24-year-old could miss at least one game were sparked given the possible extent of the injury.
Despite the concerns, Melbourne remains hopeful their three-time best and fairest winner has avoided serious damage, with further assessment to come.
"We think it's just bruised," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said post match.
"We'll let that settle over the next few days and make sure its okay
"Hopefully it's just a bruise."
As noted by The Herald Sun'sย Jon Ralph, should Oliver be required to go under the knife he could spend the coming week on the sidelines.
Clayton Oliver looked in real pain with his thumb. But both Isaac Heeney and Dyson Heppell has surgery last year on a fractured thumb and only missed a week. Demons have Port next week but will be hopeful even a fracture doesnโt see him miss too much time @FOXFOOTY
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 7, 2022
Oliver and the Demons are scheduled to face finals hopefuls Port Adelaide in Alice Springs next Sunday, with the 10-day break sure to aid any recovery path for Oliver.
Thursday's 28-point loss to Geelong saw Melbourne concede their place atop the summit of the ladder, with the Cats now leaping into pole position.
Large enough wins for Brisbane and Fremantle this weekend could see the Demons slide as low as fourth on the ladder, but their current placing in second is the most likely outcome come the cessation of this weekend.
Melbourne welcomed the returns of Max Gawn (ankle) and Luke Jackson (knee) from injury on Thursday night, with young defender Daniel Turner (face) likely in the selection frame for Round 18.
