Melbourne expect star forward Jesse Hogan to play in Sunday's AFL match against Carlton, despite being on crutches after their win over St Kilda.
But Joel Smith's debut AFL season is ruined, with the first gamer to undergo surgery for his dislocated shoulder.
He will be out of action for three to four months.
Hogan kicked three goals in Saturday's win over the Saints, but he also rolled his ankle.
"There's nothing in that. He'll train fully this week and will play against Carlton," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney told the AFL website.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Mahoney added that the club decided to put Smith into surgery immediately because he is at the start of his career.
"We wanted to ensure his long-term shoulder strength remained a priority," Mahoney said.
The Demons were impressed with how Smith started the game in defence when the Saints were threatening to take control.
Also on Saturday, ruckman Max Gawn had to leave the field with a back strain for 10 minutes.
He returned and then dominated to play a crucial role in Melbourne's 30-point win.
Gawn is also expected to play against Carlton.
