Key Dee out, Hogan a chance to face Swans

Melbourne have lost Christian Salem for Friday night’s AFL clash against Sydney, but star forward Jesse Hogan could be a surprise inclusion against the Swans.

The Demons are also hopeful Jeff Garlett and Jack Watts will be available, while co-captain Jack Viney is a certainty to lead the side into the much-anticipated match-up between the in-form teams.

The appearance of Hogan in the goal square would be a huge boost for Melbourne, who have surged to fifth on the ladder with four straight wins.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined since round seven after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“Jesse’s a sneaky chance this week,” club performance manager Dave Misson said.

“He’s been going really well with his footy and conditioning work.”

Salem will miss up to a month after injuring his hamstring during Saturday night’s thrilling three-point win over West Coast.

Garlett (hamstring) and Viney (shoulder) were also hurt in that game, while Watts missed with a hamstring strain.

“Christian is probably going to miss three to four (matches),” Misson said.

“It’s not a serious hamstring, but it’s something that we’ve got to be cautious with because he’s had a couple in the past.

“Jeff’s scan was actually really good. Clinically he’s very good, so we’ll just tick some boxes during the week as to whether he plays or not.

“Jack Viney, with the shoulder, has pulled up really well and we’re not sending him in for scans. He’ll be fine to play.

“(Watts) trained on Monday morning and he ticked the boxes that he needed to, so he’s got some more things that he’s got to get through during the week.

“It’s probably a bit early to tell at this stage of the week, but we’re hopeful.”

There were fears Viney may have injured his AC joint after Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn cannoned into his shoulder in the third quarter.

But the young gun returned and dragged Melbourne over the line in the final term, finishing with 38 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.

Viney evened the ledger with Hurn during his hugely influential final term, ironing out the veteran defender with a fierce, high bump.

The match review panel on Monday cleared Viney over the incident, ruling that he had been contesting the ball.

“You’d actually need his shoulder to be hanging off the bone, I reckon, for him to stay off the ground,” Demons ruckman Max Gawn said of Viney.

“That contest with Shannon Hurn in the last quarter, it almost was a momentum-changer for us as well, so he’s leading from example.”

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