MELBOURNE has ruled out defender Michael Hibberd for Saturday night's clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium due to a quad strain.

Hibberd pulled up short late in the session at Gosch's Paddock and was sent for scans, where the Demons will seek to gather more information about the seriousness of the injury. 

"Michael hurt his quad at training this morning," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said. 

"He will not play this week, we will assess the severity of the injury over the next few days and have a better indication of a return date."

The 28-year-old has averaged 19.3 disposals from 16 games in 2018, well below the 27.4 touches he averaged as an All Australian team member last season. 

Hibberd has averaged 402m gained per game this season, second at the Demons to midfielder Angus Brayshaw. 

With Hibberd sidelined, young defender Joel Smith appears in the frame to be recalled after he missed last week's game against the Western Bulldogs with a hip complaint. 

Smith trained strongly with the AFL squad on Wednesday morning, while versatile backman Josh Wagner could get a look in. 

The Demons are also considering bringing in midfielder Dom Tyson to help replace injured skipper Jack Viney, who is set to miss up to a month with a foot injury.