Melbourne have suffered a big blow before their crucial AFL clash with Geelong on the weekend with star defender Michael Hibberd ruled out through injury.
Hibberd hurt his quad at training on Wednesday morning with the Demons confirming he will miss their Saturday night match with the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
Melbourne said it was unclear how long the 2017 All Australian would be sidelined.
"The club will assess the severity of the injury over the next few days and will have a better indication of Hibberd's return date," the Demons said on their club website.
Melbourne were already thin on defenders after they lost Jake Lever for the season with a knee injury in June.
The sixth-placed Demons are looking to claim their first top-eight scalp of 2018 while the Cats, in eighth, need the win to maintain their position in the finals.
