Melbourne have had to delay Jack Viney's recovery, adding more mystery to when their co-captain might make his AFL comeback.
Viney has only managed seven games this season because of foot problems and the star midfielder has not played since round 16.
Coach Simon Goodwin said on Thursday they expect Viney to play again this season, but he cannot say when.
Viney is due to return to running next week.
"He hasn't had a setback, but he's tried to load again and he's a little bit sore," Goodwin said
"So we're just going to put that back a little bit further until we start re-loading him.
"But we're still really hopeful he'll come back and have an impact for us this year."
Goodwin said Viney's competitiveness means the onballer wants to return as quickly as possible.
"He wants the very best for the team and obviously to be a part of contributing to that," he said.
"We saw in the six or seven weeks he was playing for us, the impact he can have.
"He's frustrated, but he's still really optimistic about what he can contribute as the year goes on."
While Viney's immediate future is unclear, the Demons know they could have to wait until the last day of the season to know if their 12-year finals drought is over.
The AFL have released the draw for round 23 and they will play GWS on the Sunday.
Last year they came agonisingly close when they missed out on the top eight on percentage after the final game.
Melbourne are sixth and have a good percentage, but an upset loss to Gold Coast on Sunday at the MCG could put them out of the top eight.
Goodwin said last year's nerve-racking finish would stand them in good stead.
"Everyone's not naive - you can see the ladder, you can see how tight it is," Goodwin said.
"Going through that situation last year, (it was a) very similar situation.
"We understand what comes with that and I think the players are better prepared to go through it again."
While Melbourne should beat the Suns, Goodwin said there was no way the Demons would look at the game as a potential percentage booster.
A fortnight ago Gold Coast pulled off the upset of the season when they beat Sydney.
"We don't even talk about percentage and those things ... it's just a silly conversation to have," Goodwin said.
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