The Tigers are hopeful ruckman Shaun Hampson can still play a part in 2018 despite ongoing troubles with his back.
Hampson was restricted to six VFL games in 2017 because of a chronic disc problem, which has continued into this year.
He played in the Tigers' opening round VFL win over Port Melbourne in early April but hasn't managed another game since.
He trained with the rehab group last week after being recently backed off load-wise, and still hopes to be part of the Tigers' campaign at some stage this season despite the tricky nature of his injury.
"I'm not sure when we're expecting him to play. It's a pretty serious kind of problem," Balme said.
"He's still around the place, still part of it, and we're hoping he can play."
Source: AFL website