Demons provide update on injured duo ahead of Cats clash

The Demons are set to be near full fitness for Friday night's preliminary final against Geelong at Optus Stadium.

A break between their qualifying final victory over Brisbane and this weekend's action is sure to aid Melbourne's chances of ending their 57-year premiership drought, with the club just two wins away from the feat.

The time off has allowed extra attention for pacey defender Jayden Hunt to heal his injured ankle, with the 26-year-old in the running to make his return for his first game in over a month.

Speaking on SEN, Demons football boss Alan Richardson revealed Hunt will be right in the mix.

“When ‘Hunty’ played, we really liked what he did,” Richardson said.

“It will be a matter of time for Hunty. He’ll need to train really well on Tuesday and we’ll have match committee after that session to make sure everyone’s pulled up ok and we get the tick off from the conditioning and medical staff.

“Hunty will definitely be in the mix, we’ll just have to wait and see on that one.”

Reports over the weekend had also suggested that goal-sneak Alex Neal-Bullen was battling a calf injury ahead of this weekend's must-win match.

Richardson revealed the pressure forward would likely be fit to feature in Friday's game despite sustaining the complaint in a practice match last week.

“Just a corky,” Richardson said when questioned on the 25-year-old's health.

“That came out of that scratch match we played on Friday. He’ll be fine.

“We’ll have our main session Tuesday and he’ll do everything so he’s right to go.”

The Demons will be hoping to mimic their Round 23 result against Geelong this week, however doing so with a little more comfort - having required a goal after the siren from skipper Max Gawn to clinch the four points and the minor premiership.

That win secured the double over the Cats for 2021, with the Demons also amassing bragging rights from their Round 4 affair, which saw Melbourne end victors to the tune of 25 points.