Demons consider picking veteran for wildcard final

Melbourne are considering picking Jack Viney for his first game of the season when the Demons face Carlton in a wildcard match at the MCG.

Fit again after dealing with back and Achilles issues this year, Viney has been pressing his case for an AFL return for several weeks.

It will be one of the Demons' big decisions this week, with defenders Dan Turner and Jake Lever, as well as forward Matt Jefferson, sore following Saturday's costly 21-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

That result meant Melbourne were forced into the wildcard round, rather than book a top-six spot and earn a week off before finals.

Melbourne coach Steven King is giving the trio a chance to face the Blues on Saturday night, with Turner the most likely to be right.

But Viney, who has just one VFL game under his belt, is looming as an X-factor inclusion into a midfield that was unable to capitalise on Max Gawn's ruck dominance against the Bulldogs.

"If we had another month up our sleeve, we'd have a bit more data, and know where we're at a bit more as well," King said of Viney on Tuesday.

"But what I do know is that Jack is a Melbourne man - he plays the game in a way that's built for finals, so there'll be no questioning of what he'll bring will be up to AFL intensity.

"Then also making sure that we look after him, and that he's ready as well.

"The temptation will be just to throw him out there, but I want to make sure we look after Jack, not only for this week but moving forward as well."

Lever (foot), Jefferson (knee) and Turner (knee) will have a light week of training as they attempt to prove their fitness.

Jefferson appeared to hyper-extend his knee during the third quarter against the Bulldogs, while Turner was sore early in the match but came back on the ground and played out the game.

"I'm not going to put anyone that's in any doubt out there in a final for their own welfare, but also for the team," King said.

"We've got to make sure we pick a team that can play in what's going to be a fairly intense game."