Melbourne premiership trio Jack Viney, Bayley Fritsch and Christian Salem have all been ruled out of their season opener against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin confirmed the news on Wednesday morning, with the premiership trio failing to overcome pre-season niggles.
Viney, who missed Melbourne’s practice match against Richmond, is still recovering from a knee injury whilst Fritsch failed to overcome the foot he injured at training last month.
Salem, who managed just the 13 games in 2022, was placed on a modified training program in February due to a thyroid concern.
The star defender has battled a similar problem in the past and won’t be risked given his long history of injuries.
The Dees and the Dogs will do battle at the MCG on Saturday night.