Sam Weideman could make his long-awaited return to Melbourne's line-up this week after the club confirmed big man Luke Jackson would miss the clash against Carlton.<\/p>\n
Jackson has been one of the Demons' many shining lights to start the season, but broke his finger in Melbourne's Round Eight win over Sydney and has undergone surgery. <\/p>\n
The 19-year-old is expected to miss up to two weeks with the injury, and Weideman, who has booted 14 goals in three VFL matches, could slot into Simon Goodwin's side.<\/p>\n
Jackson's injury presents a golden opportunity for the 23-year-old Weideman to show off his AFL credentials, with the key forward out of contract at the end of the season. <\/p>\n
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"It's an unfortunate hiccup in Luke's 2021 season, which to date seen him producing some solid and consistent football for us," Melbourne's GM of AFL performance, Alan Richardson, said in a club statement.<\/p>\n
"However, the positive news is that the required surgery was minor and as a result, we expect he will only miss 1-2 games of footy.<\/p>\n
"Luke has been a really important contributor for us this year and we look forward to having him back on the field soon."<\/p>\n
Jackson, the No.3 pick in the 2019 draft, has been a revelation both up forward and in deputising for skipper Max Gawn in the ruck during stretches. <\/p>\n