Melbourne skipper Max Gawn predicts he will miss Saturday night's crunch clash with Essendon due to a painful ankle injury.
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Gawn hurt his right ankle late in the second quarter of Sunday's 54-point win over West Coast and was substituted out of the game during the final quarter.
The injury occurred when Gawn went to kick the ball out of the centre and his foot instead cannoned into the body of West Coast rising star Harley Reid.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin played down concerns over Gawn in his post-match press conference.
But Gawn was on crutches at AAMI Park on Monday, wearing a moon boot on his right foot.
The 32-year-old has undergone scans to determine the extent of the damage.
"It's pretty sore, I must admit. I woke up very sore. Obviously played the second half in a bit of distress," Gawn told reporters.
"At this stage, I'm thinking that (I will miss), just because of how sore it is, but I've seen some stuff that the human body can do and it can certainly turn around pretty quickly.
"I'm always looking quite optimistic at these things. I don't exactly know what it really is yet so we're waiting for a bit of information. I'm sure we'll get it to you this afternoon.
"I'd say it's more of a short-term thing - I'm hoping - but it is pretty sore."
West Coast were also left with injury concerns.
Star defender Jeremy McGovern was taken to hospital with suspected rib and lung damage following a final-quarter collision.
McGovern was discharged from hospital on Sunday night, but he remains in Melbourne with a club staff member.
West Coast say they will give an update on the extent of McGovern's injuries when they have more details.
Skipper Oscar Allen, who kicked four goals, will be further assessed for an ankle injury.
Australian Associated Press
