A HOST of Melbourne players will be looking to confirm their selection in round one when they run out for VFL affiliate Casey Demons in a practice match against Box Hill at Casey Fields on Saturday. 

The Demons have decided to take the opportunity to get valuable game time into Jeff Garlett, Neville Jetta, Dom Tyson, James Harmes and Dean Kent after interrupted pre-season programs due to injury. 

Meanwhile, the Demons remain confident key forward Tom McDonald will overcome a persistent toe injury in time for the clash against the Cats, however he will need to prove his fitness in a solid training session planned for the rest of the AFL squad at Casey Fields on Friday. 

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said the game on Saturday would allow those selected players to ensure they were at full fitness heading into round one. 

"The majority of our players have been able to play some game time through the JLT Series, but a few of our players have only played one game and limited game time so it's important that they're ready to go for round one selection," Mahoney told AFL.com.au.

"There's some players playing in the VFL at the weekend that are definitely in the mix for selection for round one and it gives the match committee a lot more comfort if they've got another game under their belts."

Mahoney said he expects most of the players will not be on any minutes restriction, despite being on individualised programs. 

Garlett missed a decent chunk of the post-Christmas training period due to a rib injury but played against St Kilda in the club's second JLT Community Series game. Jetta has been managing a quad issue, but also turned out for the Demons in the second pre-season match. 

Harmes was a late withdrawal from the game against the Saints after he copped a head knock at training a few days out from the match, while Tyson returned for the clash with the Saints after being bothered by a calf niggle.

Kent had shoulder surgery in August and the Demons have slowly built him up in his return to the field.

Young key forward Sam Weideman, following a period in rehab due to off-season ankle surgery, will also play for Casey, while defender Joel Smith will play in his first competitive hit-out of the season after breaking his leg in August last year. 

Co-captain Jack Viney could return to the senior team in round three all going to schedule, but the Demons have planned for him to play some game time in the VFL before he is cleared to play in the senior side.

Viney has been on a modified training program as a result of a stress fracture in his foot he sustained late last season.

Melbourne expects vice-captain Jordan Lewis (calf) to be available for the match against the Cats on Sunday, March 25.

Clubs must seek permission from the AFL to have senior-listed players playing in VFL practice matches.