IN A savage blow for Melbourne, midfielder Brock McLean will miss the rest of the season after injuring his ankle in the club's rousing one-point victory on Sunday.

McLean, 22, was forced off the ground in the first term, but returned after half-time, against the Brisbane Lions, to play a valuable role in the Demons' second victory of the year.

Scans on Monday revealed ligament damage at the front of his left ankle and McLean said two screws would be inserted into the bone to help the ligament heal.

McLean expects to be fully recovered in time for the start of pre-season training.

McLean, who signed a two-year deal with Melbourne at the end of last season, said he was unsure if returning to the field against Brisbane had aggravated the injury.

"We're not too sure, I don't think so, but you can never really tell," he said.

After the match, coach Dean Bailey praised the courage of his prime onballer, saying McLean demanded he be allowed back on the ground.

"We had to get him up," Bailey said. "He wasn't 100 %, but on two occasions he just dived full length on to a footy that he should never, ever have won.

"A couple of those acts from Brock … suggests some of these young blokes really enjoyed the leadership."

McLean's injury further weakens the Demons after the retirement of skipper David Neitz (neck) this year and a season-ending Achilles tendon injury to forward Russell Robertson.

Brent Moloney (shoulder) will not play again this year and Jared Rivers (groin/abdominals) continues his wretched run with injury, also out for the rest of the season.

A former Rising Star nominee and first-round draft pick, McLean received a fractured bone in his right foot in round one last year that put him out for two months.

He has played every game this season and been among Melbourne's most consistent players, averaging 24 disposals per game and a season-high 36 against Collingwood in round 11.

"With (new chairman) Jim Stynes coming on board (and) a lot of young players coming through, I suppose it (the injury) is a little bit more frustrating," McLean said.

With AAP