Lewis Melican has suffered an injury setback in his return from a hamstring issue that has plagued his 2018 season.

The young defender re-injured his hamstring at training earlier this week and will miss Saturday’s NEAFL clash.

Coach John Longmire told 3AW radio before Thursday night’s clash against Geelong that Melican would be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of his injury.

“Lewis Melican has re-injured his hamstring at training earlier this week,” Longmire said.

“He has done it twice on each side now which is not great.

“That is disappointing for both him and for us because we rate the kid as a player.”

Longmire confirmed Sam Reid would increase his match time in Saturday’s NEAFL clash as he nears a senior return.

“Tom McCartin has come into the team as the youngest player in the AFL so to play centre half forward and do the job he has done is credit to him.’ Longmire said.

“We understand we want Sam Reid in our team and need him up forward to have that other marking option up there.”

“We are keen to get him up and running quickly.”

Tom Papley is expected to return for next week’s clash against North Melbourne.