Melbourne recruit Ben Brown faces the possibility of another stint on the sidelines after experiencing persistent swelling in his troublesome left knee.
The former North Melbourne key forward managed just nine games last season before surgery on the same knee brought his 2020 campaign to a premature end.
Brown was traded in November and had made a positive impact at Melbourne during the early stages of pre-season.
But the latest injury concerns threaten another setback for the 28-year-old, a little more than six weeks out from the Demons’ round-one meeting with Fremantle.
“Following scans on Monday afternoon, it has been decided that we will get the opinion of knee specialist Julian Feller to determine the best course of action,” Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson said.
“The club will be in a position to provide further information following Ben’s consultation on Wednesday.”
Brown made his AFL debut in round 14, 2014 and played almost every match for North Melbourne from that point until being sidelined by a knee injury last August.
He was recruited to fill a glaring hole in Melbourne’s forward line.
The Demons gave up draft picks 26 and 33, plus a future fourth-round selection, in exchange for Brown, pick 28 and the Kangaroos’ future fourth-round pick.