The Bloods and Panthers remain at loggerheads over the services of Hibbert, with negotiations unable to end the stand-off.

Melton football manager Brad Jamison said the Bloods had endeavoured reach agreement, but Melton South had not been prepared to accept anything put on the table.

Hibbert is contracted to Melton South, which believes he should meet the commitment.

Melton has not lodged any clearance applications since two were refused by the Panthers in November.

Jamison said Hibbert remained committed to joining the Bloods, having trained with the them through the pre-season.

He said right now it was just a matter of playing a waiting game.

Jamison said these situations were usually resolved and hopefully agreement would be reached.

He said with the opening round on Saturday, April 21, there was still plenty of time.

Melton and Melton South meet in round one at MacPherson Park.

The Bloods and Panthers were caught up in a similar situation last year when Matt Notman wanted to move from Melton to Melton South.

He was ultimately cleared they played in the first game of the season.

Melton South is also yet to clear high profile midfielder/forward Mitch Banner to Old Melburnians in the VAFA after refusing two transfer applications.

The Panthers have also knocked back a clearance bid by Michael Callus to joiin Melton Centrals, while releasing his brother Joe.

Meanwhile, Melton looks like being without the services of marquee signing and former Essendon player Elliott Kavanagh.

While he remains contracted to the Bloods and will stay that way for the club, Kavanagh is not expected to play owing to work comitments in the real estate industry on the Mornington Peninsula.

Jamison said while more than likely Kavanagh would not play this season, the club was keeping the door open in case circumstances changed.