Demons defender Judd McVee suffers high-grade hamstring injury on cusp of AFL season

Melbourne could be without trusty defender Judd McVee for the first four games of its AFL campaign after the young backman suffered a hamstring injury.

The Demons confirmed on Thursday that the 21-year-old would be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a high-grade hamstring strain during a training session.

He was in visible discomfort as he was helped off the ground by two Demons staffers before being taken away in a medicab.

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If McVee takes the full eight weeks to recover, he won't play his first game of the season until Melbourne faces Essendon at Adelaide Oval in Gather Round.

"Judd was having a great pre-season prior to his injury, so it's disappointing for him to have this setback," said Melbourne footy boss Alan Richardson.

"He'll complete a thorough rehab program with the guidance of our medical and high-performance teams, and we're confident he'll be back in the early part of the season.

"Judd is a professional who attacks everything he does with a great attitude, and we know he'll apply that same mindset to his rehab."

McVee has been a reliable member of the Demons' defence over the past two seasons, making 48 appearances.

Melbourne will begin its premiership campaign in a clash with GWS at the MCG on March 16.