Melbourne is still hopeful Daisy Pearce will be cleared to play a role in the club's NAB AFLW finals campaign after she suffered a knee injury in the final round of the home-and-away season.
Pearce's right knee buckled in a tackle during the Demons' nail-biting win over Brisbane and scans on Sunday revealed damaged to the medial collateral ligament.
The 32-year-old will meet with a specialist on Monday as her teammates begin preparation for a knockout home final against Fremantle.
"It appears highly unlikely that Daisy will be fit to play in next weekend's qualifying final," Melbourne AFLW general manager Daniel McPherson said.
"But, at this early stage, we are hopeful that she may be available for the second week of the finals should we make it through.
"Daisy will meet with a specialist tomorrow to undergo further assessment and, alongside our medical team, will then map out a rehab and return to play plan for her."
After the win over Brisbane, Melbourne coach Mick Stinear said he was "hopeful" Pearce will play finals.
But he said Saturday's result showed the Demons could cover her absence.
"She's a critical part of our forward line but (Pearce's absence) showed the versatility of a lot of our players who were able to step up - and I think they did that today," Stinear said.
"So it'd definitely be a blow for us but the work she's done to help lead this team has enabled them to be able to perform their roles when she's not there."
