Melbourne may have to consider a shock call-up for Jake Lever after only one game back in the VFL

The Demons have been one of the most disappointing sides this season. However, they also hold one of the longest injury lists in the AFL. After three concussions last week, it may be a quicker than expected return for Jake Lever.

Jake Lever could return to the AFL this week. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne’s dramatic injury list could see the club consider a shock call-up for Jake Lever after only one game back from an ACL reconstruction.

The Demons are hopeful concussed trio Tim Smith, Christian Salem and Alex Neal-Bullen will train at the club’s main session on Thursday.

But they have added to an injury list that this week reached 18 players, including key players Michael Hibberd, Steven May, Neville Jetta and Mitch Hannan.

The Demons take on GWS at the MCG, with the Giants having to conquer their hoodoo at the ground but having Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg and Jeremy Finlayson as tall attacking targets could force the Demons to look at Lever.

Lever won only seven possessions in 80 minutes playing for the Casey Demons but showed commanding presence in the air in his first game back from an ACL tear.

Ideally he would play another VFL game and then make his AFL return against old side Adelaide in Darwin on Saturday June 1.

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Steven May is still several weeks away as he works back from a long-running groin problem but has built his fitness in the past few weeks.

He could potentially play in the Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood in Round 12 if the club decides he is to make a return through the seniors.

Or if he plays VFL that weekend he would have to wait until after the Round 13 bye to make his AFL return.

Jordan Lewis will have to prove his fitness after missing the Eagles clash with an ankle injury.

The club must balance what is best for its players with its determination to save its season, currently teetering at 3-6.

Jake Lever made his VFL return at the weekend. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Melbourne star Max Gawn said on Tuesday the club’s season was still alive despite being run over by West Coast last Friday night.

“It’s almost a little bit more disappointing we were able to put in that performance and then fade away late in the last quarter,” he said.

“We knew we were only two goals in front against the reigning premiers and we would be in (for a) fight. We should have been further in front. They played some really good footy in that last quarter and it really cost us but it was good to see us playing some better footy.

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“We are slowly getting closer to the brand of football we want to be playing.

“We are two of our last three (wins) so it’s not a dull mood because there is still some winning form there. There is still a winning feel and we have got a pretty exciting game against GWS to get back on the winners’ list.”