Jack Viney could be rushed back this week for Melbourne against Port Adelaide

MELBOURNE is preparing to bring young midfielder Jack Viney straight back into the team for the clash against Port Adelaide this week.

AFL Round 1 - Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns at MCG, Jack Viney makes his way out. 4th April 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

MELBOURNE is preparing to bring young midfielder Jack Viney straight back into the team this week.

Viney, sidelined for six weeks with a fractured leg, is expected to be named in the squad for Saturday’s game against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs.

“That’s what we’ve got to discuss in match committee. His training loads were to be ready to go this week,’’ assistant coach Jade Rawlings said.

“We could’ve gone early and played him last week, but for his longevity for the season, we thought it was best to wait one more week.

“Yeah, he’s right to play and we’ll make a decision this afternoon.’’

Mark Jamar tries to tackle Jack Viney.

Viney worked strongly during the Demons’ 90 minutes training session at Gosch’s Paddock while fellow midfielder Dom Tyson was confined to logging laps with heavy strapping on the left knee.

If the medical report is not positive on Tyson, it will further enhance Viney’s chances of a senior recall, particularly as VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions has a bye this weekend.

“It’s more how it fits the team rather than whether our VFL team is playing. It’s more whether he’s ready to go in our senior team,’’ Rawlings said.

“And we’ll make a call on Tyson on whether he’s over his slight knee injury once we get the medical report.’’

Neville Jetta is available after recovering from concussion, but ruckman Mark Jamar, who suffered a heavy head knock in the VFL last weekend, and forward Chris Dawes, still nursing a calf injury, won’t make the trip.

Chris Dawes won’t make the trip to Alice Springs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Melbourne will take at least one extra player to Alice Springs in case of a late injury or illness for the tough assignment against the Power.

“We had two good games against Port last year and they were too good on both occasions, but the game in Alice Springs went right to the wire,’’ Rawlings said.

“We enjoy playing there and perform well. While they haven’t won the last couple of weeks, they have been thereabouts against West Coast and Richmond and we expect and plan for them to be at their best.’’

Players, coaches and staff were treated to a series of Aboriginal dances by relatives of forward Jeff Garlett’s partner immediately after training.

The leader of the Indigenous troupe from Heywood in Victoria’s far west even coaxed a group of players, including skipper Nathan Jones, Jack Watts and Heretier Lumumba, to join them for an impromptu lesson.

“With the Indigenous players on our list, we always recognise their culture, especially in this Indigenous round,’’ Rawlings said.

“Each year, there has been a varying level of presentation of where they’re from and their community, so it’s always good education for all of us about their backgrounds and what they value.’’

Originally published as Jack Viney could be rushed back this week for Melbourne against Port Adelaide