MITCH Clark has suffered a setback with hamstring soreness, delaying his return to full training.
The injury has ruled him out of the NAB Challenge, with the Demons confirming he is unavailable for selection for at least three weeks.
It also puts him in doubt for Melbourne's round one clash against St Kilda.
It's a blow for Clark as he works towards making a comeback from a foot injury that has restricted him to just four games since round 13, 2012 but the club regards it as a minor hiccup.
Melbourne fitness boss Dave Misson said there was no cause for alarm.
"Mitch has just got a bit of hammy soreness at the moment," Misson told melbournefc.com.au.
"He’s been out of the game for a long time, so we probably expected some little hiccups along the way, but it really is just a little hiccup.
"We’re expecting him to really be back in full training pretty soon."
The injury is frustrating for Clark, as his foot had recovered well and he was on target to resume full training soon.
Senior coach Paul Roos has been understanding of Clark's situation.
He was not keen to identify a return date for Clark and said last week he would be comfortable if his key forward managed 16 to 18 games this season.
The injury adds further pressure on the Demons as they race time to have their big man stocks fit and firing for round one.
Jesse Hogan and Chris Dawes are set to play in round two of the NAB Challenge, with the Demons forced to play rookie Max King this Friday night against Richmond.
Veteran ruckman Mark Jamar is also returning from a long stint on the sidelines but was not selected for Friday night's game.
Dawes and Clark did not play alongside each other in 2013.
Clark was a brilliant performer in his first 11 games with the Demons, kicking 29 goals and showing why the Demons were so keen to recruit him from the Lions.
He then played the first four games in 2013 before having an operation to remove the screw from his injured foot.
The 26-year-old has been part of the leadership group since he arrived and has been a significant off-field contributor.
However, he said recently he understood that the best way he could contribute as a leader would be on the field.
He has played 97 games for 97 goals since making his debut with the Brisbane Lions in round one, 2006.
