Melbourne’s Tom McDonald is the latest star to pull out of the AFLX tournament, with the Demons forward rested following an injection to relieve knee soreness.

McDonald was due to play for Jack Riewoldt’s Rampage side in the February 22 tournament at Marvel Stadium but the club opted to bring the scheduled procedure forward.

Melbourne confirmed on Wednesday that he had been administered a cortisone injection to relieve patella tendonitis but is not expected to miss any other games.

The 26-year-old’s exit is another blow to the much-criticised concept, following on the heels of Hawthorn pair Isaac Smith and Luke Breust’s decision to opt out in favour of rest.

The pair will play in Hawthorn’s practice match against Carlton on Thursday and have then chosen to take advantage of an AFL-mandated four-day break.

New Hawks teammate Chad Wingard (calf) is among a number of players who have dropped out through injury.

Melbourne’s Steven May (hamstring), Fremantle’s Joel Hamling (calf), Port Adelaide’s Robbie Gray (knee) and North Melbourne’s Robbie Tarrant (shoulder) were all drafted before suffering setbacks.

McDonald will be replaced by teammate Bayley Fritsch.