Key Dee “in doubt” for season opener

More injury woes are threatening to impact the Melbourne v Geelong round one clash, with another key Demon looking unlikely to take part in the contest.

Tom McDonald, who was a late withdrawal from the club’s preseason match with St Kilda on Thursday night, is the latest name to be added on an ever-growing injury list attached to the Dees v Cats game on Sunday week.

“There are concerns around swingman Tom McDonald,” SEN newsman Sam Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

“They’re being very cautious with this man.

“He is fighting to be fit for round one, you would say he is in doubt for the Cats.

“He is nursing the early stages of a hot spot in his metatarsal, rather than the sore big toe that saw him pull out of the second JLT game.

“The Dees said last night they’re confident he will be fine with a couple of weeks of off-load, and he would look to train at the end of the week and play round one, but gee whiz, they’re weary.”

Former Essendon captain Tim Watson was concerned with the news, saying hot spots are an ailment that has the potential to “keep him out for a long time.”

Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney has already been ruled out of the season opener, while Geelong has a host of injury concerns as well.

Patrick Dangerfield is extremely unlikely to feature with a hamstring concern, while Gary Ablett is no certainty with his own hamstring battles.

Nakia Cockatoo (calf), Lachie Henderson (knee), Scott Selwood (ankle), Rhys Stanley (calf) and Stewart Crameri (hip) all occupy the Cats’ health room.