Melbourne's key forward stocks have taken another hit with scans revealing Sam Weideman has a stress fracture in his right leg.
The 23-year-old, who finished second in the Demons' goal-kicking with 19 majors last year, faces 10-12 weeks on the sidelines.
His setback follows high-profile trade recruit Ben Brown being struck down with a knee injury that required surgery last week.
"It's disappointing news for Sam, who has had a great preseason to date," Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson said.
"Following some soreness in his hip region, the medical team decided to conduct a scan which has shown a stress fracture in his femur.
"We didn't expect to find anything this substantial, but it's better to get onto it now and prevent it from getting any worse.
"We will take a conservative approach and an exact return to play date will be determined by how Sam responds to the on-going rehab program."
Weideman, a former top-10 draft pick, has kicked 46 goals in 44 games since making his debut in 2016.
The Demons are desperate to return to finals action this year after missing out for two straight seasons on the back of a preliminary final appearance in 2018.
They are scheduled to begin the new season against Fremantle at the MCG on March 20.
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