MELBOURNE will not risk co-captain Jack Viney for next Saturday's clash against Collingwood if his troublesome foot injury continues to give him bother, coach Simon Goodwin says.

Viney missed the Demons' 13-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday after pulling up sore from the previous week's clash against St Kilda.

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The tough midfielder was still on crutches while celebrating with teammates in the rooms after the game against the Lions.

According to the Demons, Viney's foot injury is unrelated to the plantar fascia issue on which he was forced to have surgery after the clash against Sydney in round 15.

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"He's a week by week (proposition). We're not going to put a timeframe on Jack. He is improving, which is great," Goodwin said.

"We'll see how he is mid-week but clearly if he's still sore we certainly won't be putting his foot at risk."

A win over the Magpies would guarantee the seventh-placed Melbourne a finals berth, for the first time since 2006.

It has been a season of highs and lows for the Demons, with injuries to key personnel, suspensions and accusations of ill discipline all levelled at Simon Goodwin's club.

Through it all, much like the narrative of Sunday's result against the Lions, the young team has persisted and found a way to be in the position in which it finds itself with one round to play.

Returning from two weeks on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone against North Melbourne in round 19, Jesse Hogan booted a season-high six goals to be the dominant forward on the ground.

Hogan also took nine marks (two contested) as he finally found the type of form he has been searching for in just his ninth game of the year – one that has been riddled by personal and physical hardship.

The key forward's timely performance, and the solid returns of Max Gawn and Angus Brayshaw from long-term injuries, has Goodwin bullish about the health of the list coming into September.

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"He's (Hogan) going to be one player who is going to have fresh legs at the end of the year. He hasn't played a lot of footy. He's in a similar basket to Angus Brayshaw. They've missed a big chunk of the season, as has Max Gawn," Goodwin said.

"We feel like we've got some players in our team who are fresh and vibrant and we're expecting some good things out of those guys."

Goodwin was elated Hogan was able to get some personal reward in a year during which he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, he lost his father to cancer and suffered the latest collarbone injury.

 "It's terrific for Jess. He's had a really difficult year but he's had a fantastic little period of training," Goodwin said.

"Even when he broke his collarbone he was really keen to get back playing and really having an impact for the Melbourne footy club this year.

"Hitting the scoreboard was one thing, but I thought his intent and the way he played was outstanding. It's a reflection of the training that he's been able to put in and his preparation in and around his game was sensational."

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Melbourne led by 32 points early in the fourth quarter and appeared to have the game in its pocket, but the Lions fought on and made a game of it right up until the final siren.

Goodwin said it was a relief to claim the victory.

"They're an improving side, Brisbane, and they played some good footy throughout the day. They did make us earn the victory," he said.

"I thought it was a great tussle all day in a number of areas. In the end, I'm really proud of the boys for sticking at it and we come away with a great win for the footy club."

The Melbourne coach said he would need to have a closer look at a second-quarter incident involving veteran defender Bernie Vince, where he made high contact with Lions skipper Dayne Beams, before making any clear judgment.

The Match Review Panel is certain to look at the clash involving Vince, who has already missed three games through suspension this season.