Melbourne forward Tom McDonald will miss Casey’s VFL Grand Final against Southport due to a foot injury, according to AFL Media’s Brendan Rhodes.
McDonald, who has played in Casey’s last two games after returning from Lisfranc surgery, won’t play on Sunday after suffering a reoccurrence of the injury.
The 29-year-old rushed back from injury in hope of taking part in Melbourne’s AFL finals campaign playing both VFL finals with a metal plate in his foot.
According to coach Simon Goodwin, the veteran would've been a chance to feature in a Preliminary Final had the Demons progressed.
With McDonald out, it’s expected that Mitch Brown feature deeper forward against Southport while Jake Melksham will support him after returning from AFL level.
Demon Jake Bowey has also missed out on selection due to being ineligible while Bailey Laurie and Taj Woewodin return to the side.
The Sharks enter the decider unchanged having defeated Gold Coast last Sunday to book a spot in the Grand Final.
Sunday’s VFL Grand Final is set for Carlton’s Ikon Park at 12:50 pm (AEST).