MELBOURNE defender Michael Hibberd will miss the opening round against St Kilda with an Achilles injury.
The former Bomber was ruled out of playing a VFL practice match on Sunday and then the season opener, with the Demons saying they will take a cautious approach.
"We think this is the best way to approach this type of injury, when we consider the entire season and not just round one," general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney told the club's website.
"We didn't think it was appropriate to push him for round one, when it's about having him for the whole season."
Hibberd played 84 games for Essendon before sitting out the entire 2016 season due to the club's supplements saga before he was traded during the off-season.
Mahoney confirmed Melbourne had gained approval from the AFL to play 17 players in a VFL practice match this weekend.
"Those players will play for the Casey Demons against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields on Sunday," he said.
