Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch will need to prove his fitness ahead of Thursday's matchup with minor premiers Collingwood as he looks to shake off a foot concern.
Fritsch returned from surgery on a fractured left foot in Round 24 against Sydney after an eight-week stint on the sidelines, with his comeback appearance offering the Demons mixed emotions as he piled on a season-high five goals.
The catch came as Fritsch required time in the hands of medical staff as he flagged a concern with his previously hampered foot, and despite being able to play out the match the injury is continuing to cast some doubt over the forward's chances of lining up for the Demons' Qualifying Final against the Magpies.
Melbourne has confirmed Fritsch will be required to prove his fitness over the coming days, with the club hopeful the 26-year-old will be deemed fit to play.
โHe's obviously had surgery on that foot relatively recently,โ Demons doctor Laura Lallenec told Melbourne Media.
โIt was really precautionary, [we were] just making sure he was safe to get back on the field, which he was, thankfully.
โSince then, we've just been getting him back into training, he's pulled up really well and he's full trained today.
โWe'll need him to tick off our captain's run on Wednesday, but at this stage he's looking to be available.โ
Veteran defender Michael Hibberd has been cleared to make his return after missing the end of the home and away season due to concussion, while tall forward Ben Brown is continuing to battle knee soreness and has no clear return timeframe.
Elsewhere, Port Adelaide will be without Charlie Dixon for their first finals games against Brisbane as the veteran sharpshooter continues to nurse a foot injury.
The Power confirmed on Monday that both Dixon and emerging ruckman Dante Visentini (quad) won't be available for selection until week two of finals at the very least.
Key defender Trent McKenzie is in the mix to play his first game since Round 21 as he looks to return from a torn PCL, while tall forward Todd Marshall is anticipated to make his return after missing Round 24 due to knee soreness.
Marshall returned to main training this week following his minor injury complaint, while McKenzie linked up with the main group over the weekend as he presses his case for a return.
A win for the Power on Saturday night will give Ken Hinkley's men a week's break before a home preliminary final, while a loss would see them host either GWS or St Kilda in week two of the September series.
