JACK Viney has joined Melbourne's main group for training after an intense fitness test at Gosch's Paddock on Thursday.
The Demons co-captain has missed the past fortnight after injuring his foot against Sydney in round 15, but is attempting to prove his fitness for Saturday afternoon's huge clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG.
Viney hit the track at least 15 minutes before the rest of his teammates, initially jogging laps before spending about half an hour putting his injury through its paces.
Under the watchful eye of no fewer than three fitness and medical staff, Viney took part in repeated straight line sprinting and fast agility work.
At one point he even tried alternate insoles in his boots.
When scans revealed the extent of Viney's plantar fascia injury after the 35-point loss to the Swans, initial fears had him sidelined for up to six weeks.
Upon joining the main group, about 20 minutes into the main session, Viney was greeted warmly by his teammates.
Midfielder Dom Tyson took his place in the main session and appears set to return from a knee injury, as did Jack Watts who's expected to return from a hamstring niggle.
Co-captain Nathan Jones was also training, but is believed to be at least another week away with his quad injury.
Small forward Jeff Garlett remains in WA for family reasons and is unlikely to play.
Jack Viney undergoing intense testing on his foot here at Dees training. #FootyFeed @AFL pic.twitter.com/m8CY7lZYhV
— Matt Thompson (@MattThompson) July 20, 2017