MELBOURNE coach Steven King has labelled the club's recent handling of young forward Latrelle Pickett a "non-story".

On Monday evening, News Corp reported the Demons had counselled Pickett after he had consumed alcohol while sidelined due to a concussion.

King confirmed Pickett will return via the VFL this weekend after recovering from the head knock he suffered against Geelong, adding he was surprised the story had attracted attention.

"It's a bit of a non-story for me. I'm surprised I heard something was in the paper today," King said.

"He's a first-year player who is still just finding the balance between what is being professional.

01:06

Why Lloyd believes Demons can win the flag

Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett discuss Melbourne’s impressive upset win over Fremantle and Steven King’s troops are riding a wave that doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.

Published on Aug 10, 2026

"There was no sanction, no conversation. I was surprised there was an article about it, to be honest.

"When you have young men coming into your program who are still trying to work out what it's like and what it takes to be a professional, they're on a journey of finding that balance and Latrelle's no different.

"He'll be back this week playing VFL footy to try and stake his claim (for an AFL recall)."

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney will play his first game in almost 12 months this weekend as the midfielder attempts to be part of the surging Demons' finals campaign.

Having dealt with complex back and Achilles injuries, Viney hasn't played a match at any level this season.

Jack Viney during Melbourne training at Gosch's Paddock, July 29, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

Viney's last game was Melbourne's round-24 loss to Collingwood last August, before King took over as coach.

But the premiership hero will return via the VFL on Sunday when the Casey Demons face Box Hill.

"He's been full training now for nearly a month ... so we finally get a game into him," King said on Tuesday.

"He's obviously chomping at the bit, vice-captain of our footy club and the ultimate competitor and the type of player you want to run out with.

"We've got to make sure that we do what's right for Jack and right for the footy club.

23:36

'Ultra aggressive' Pies push for Butters, Tex's farewell, Harley captaincy call

Cal Twomey and Josh Gabelich discuss the latest footy news on AFL Daily

Published on Aug 10, 2026

"But if he can get through that game, then he'll put his name up in lights and make himself available and see what happens from there."

After a stunning four-point win over premiership favourites Fremantle last Saturday, Melbourne locked in its finals spot.

Having an experienced player like Viney slot into a September campaign makes the Demons a dangerous prospect.

But King has cautioned against expecting too much from the 32-year-old.

"We have to respect what he's been through," King said of Viney.

"But I feel like you can't just get given a game on reputation and your standing.

Jack Viney ahead of Melbourne's clash with North Melbourne in round 18, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

"The first thing is just to get through a whole competitive game and make sure he pulls up OK.

"I want him to actually make sure of the long term as well and that he leaves this year well, ready for next season."

Complicating any AFL return for Viney, Casey's VFL campaign comes to an end this Sunday as they have not qualified for finals.

King has expressed his frustration at the inconsistent scheduling of the VFL, with numerous byes during the season making it hard for reserves players to build any momentum.

"We've got professional athletes that need to play games and develop, and that's what I feel like the VFL competition is for - it's for us to develop young men to play and be ready to play AFL," King said

"For every week they have off, that's a missed opportunity where they get to develop and grow and learn.

"It's something I feel like the AFL certainly needs to look at aligning the seasons."