Melbourne will be without superstar midfielder Clayton Oliver for Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide in Alice Springs following recent thumb surgery.
The Demons confirmed on Monday that Oliver would go under the knife after suffering the ailment last Thursday night against Geelong.
After being listed as a test for the coming weekend, Oliver has since been ruled out of lining up against the Power for Round 18, with Melbourne senior coach Simon Goodwin confirming the selection call to media on Thursday.
"He's gonna make the trip but he's not gonna play," Goodwin said.
"Clayton is someone who is very competitive, very determined. He's doing everything he can to get himself up, it's just not worth the risk at the moment.
"He's had the surgery, he's in a really good spot, but we're gonna give him the week off.
"He's gonna make the trip, he's gonna come and support, help out the coaches but he won't be playing."
Oliver's absence will be a major blow to Melbourne's midfield ensemble, with the reigning premiers looking to bounce back from their fourth loss in six rounds.
Goodwin could recall recruit Luke Dunstan for Sunday's trip to the Northern Territory, with the former Saint impressing in the VFL this year, currently placed sixth in the VFL Coaches' votes.
With no other injuries emerging in the past week, Oliver's omission is likely to be the only one Goodwin will be forced into making for Round 18.
Melbourne will host Port Adelaide at Trager Park, Alice Springs, on Sunday at 3:20pm (AEST).