Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia will miss up to six weeks of AFL after suffering two minor spinal fractures in Friday night’s pre-season loss to Port Adelaide.

Power forward John Butcher was booked for rough conduct after crunching Sylvia late in the AAMI Stadium match.

The match review panel is expected to charge Butcher and the medical report on Sylvia’s injuries will undoubtedly add to their recommended penalty.

If Butcher is charged, Port can take the case to the tribunal.

Butcher’s heavy contact with Sylvia sparked a melee that involved almost every player on the field.

Sylvia was taken from the field by mini ambulance after he landed heavily on his back and he spent the night in hospital.

But Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said they were relieved Sylvia did not suffer more serious damage to his back.

“This is obviously disappointing for Colin to injure himself on the eve of the season,” Mahoney said.

“However, considering the circumstances, the outcome could have been a lot worse and we look forward to having Colin back on the field in the near future.”

The Power scored an impressive 17.10 (112) to 9.10 (64) win over the Demons.