PAUL Roos has stopped short of guaranteeing Jack Grimes' future at Melbourne as the experienced Demon continues to remain on the cusp of selection.
The former co-captain is yet to play a game for the Demons this season and has been listed as an emergency 10 times, despite averaging more than 25 disposals per game for the Casey Scorpions.
Grimes, 27, who remains stranded on 98 games, was named in the Demons' extended squad for their clash with Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, but appears unlikely to make the final cut.
"He's really close. It is a tough one because the seniors have been going pretty well and the seconds are playing really well," Roos said.
"If I was him I'd be getting frustrated, but we're making sure we're communicating pretty strongly with him and he knows where he sits.
"It's only human nature to get frustrated this late in the season."
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After starting his career as a dashing defender, Grimes has been transformed into an attacking wingman at VFL level this season.
"There's been some really good signs but those decisions (about Grimes' future) will be made at the end of the year," Roos said.
"When he does get a game, and I'm sure he'll get a game at some point this week or next week or whatever, we think he's going to be a better player than he has been in the past."
Speedy forward Jeff Garlett has served his two-week penance at VFL level and will return to the side against the Crows.
Garlett was criticised for a couple of half-hearted efforts in the Demons' loss to Hawthorn in round 11, but has been recalled because of his genuine game-breaking ability.
"He's an important player for us, so we need him back," Roos said.
"His first week in the seconds was tough because it was belting down with rain. He was a lot better last week so I expect him to play this week.
"We believe Jeff's breakaway speed and his ability to kick goals really helps us when things aren't going as well."
First-year midfielder Clayton Oliver has been rested as part of his ongoing management, while mature-aged defender Josh Wagner (knee) is only expected to miss a week.
"We need to be really mindful (of Oliver) and make sure we don't put too much pressure on the young guys … so that'll be a bit of a mandate in the back end of the year to rotate the team a little more," Roos said.
"We could probably push [Wagner] to play but it's his first year of AFL footy. He's been getting an injection the last four weeks … but we think he'll be right by next week."
