Melbourne lost a key defender but found the form they were after from Jack Watts and Dom Tyson only days out from their first round clash with St Kilda.
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Colin Garland suffered a serious knee injury and is likely to be out for the season after the club confirmed he had a probable torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The 28-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Casey Demons in a VFL practice game against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields on Sunday. He will have scans on Monday, but the club believes they are likely to confirm a rupture.
While Garland shaped this year as a depth player his injury is still a blow to the Demons on the eve of the season which otherwise is looking brighter after the form of a string of important players in the VFL practice game.
Jack Watts played well picking up 19 touches and kicking two goals to press his case to be picked for round one in just six days time.
Watts, who came fifth in the best-and-fairest last year in his best season yet for the Demons, was overlooked for the first two JLT games but pleased coach Simon Goodwin with his effort when he got his chance in the third of the JLT games.
After a good showing in Sunday's VFL practice game he is a likely starter in the critical first round match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium next Saturday.
As a critically as Watts form was the fact midfielder Dom Tyson had 18 touches and more importantly had vital match practice ahead of round one. Former captain Jack Trengove booted a goal and also picked up 18 possessions.
Jeff Garlett who was returning from a minor hamstring strain also booted two goals in the Demons' win. Pacey running defender Dean Kent, Joel Smith and Neville Jetta were all allowed to play to get more match practice as they push their case for round one selection.
Former Essendon player Hibberd will not play against the Saints as he remains troubled by a sore achilles tendon.
Garland was pushing to recover his place in the senior team after being overtaken by young defender Oscar McDonald last year as he stepped into the side to team with his brother Tom in the backline.
Garland has played 141 games for Melbourne, but played only six games last year - all in the first half of the season.
Another key defender, Sam Frost, has suffered a foot injury and will play VFL next week.
