AFL finals-bound Melbourne are getting close to putting a line through the season of Jack Viney as the veteran midfielder continues to struggle with a back injury.
The 32-year-old is yet to play this year due to an Achilles injury and is battling a back issue, with coach Steven King conceding time is running out for him as the Demons push towards September.
The buzz is growing around sixth-placed Melbourne, who have won three of their past four matches and extended their MCG record to 9-0 with a 46-point triumph over battling Richmond last round.
"I think it's getting close to that point now," King said of the Viney call.
"It's getting to a point now where he has progressed to a level, but whether it's still on the table ... we have to sit down with the medical team and really nut that out as obviously each week that goes on it's getting more and more difficult.
"I'd love to have him out there, especially at this time of year and what's coming ahead for us.
"He'd be valuable, but we don't want to compromise Jack in any way and his long-term health is going to be more important than trying to just get him back for this year."
In some welcome injury news, 2021 premiership duo Harrison Petty (hamstring) and Bayley Fritsch (finger) should be available to face North Melbourne on Saturday.
"I expect them both to train on Thursday, so hopefully they can both come back this week, which would be great," King said.
"It'd actually add a bit to our front-end and put the squeeze on selection a little bit as well."
King said that defender Christian Salem would play another week in the VFL as he continues to build on his game time following a foot fracture.
Meanwhile, King remains hopeful that exciting midfielder Tom Sparrow will resist big money offers from Essendon and Port Adelaide to remain with Melbourne.
He praised the way the 26-year-old had kept focus in the face of such interest.
"We want Tommy to stay here and be a one-club player," the first-year coach said.
"He's in our leadership group, he's a massive part of the way we're playing at the moment.
"All we ask is that whenever you're in here at the club, you give your all and play your heart for Melbourne, and that's what he's doing ... hopefully Tom will come to the decision soon and hopefully go that way."
