The Panthers were hopeful of having Fevola play his first game of the year on the back of off-season Achilles tendon surgery and a two-game suspension.

After missing its round four encounter because of “soreness”, Melton South left the option open for Fevola to play either in the seniors or reserves against North Ballarat City.

He was selected in the reserves and named as an emergency for the seniors.

Disappointingly for the Panthers, Fevola withdrew completety on Saturday morning.

Melton South desperately needs Fevola, who has trained sparingly, back.

READ MORE: The real reason Fevola could be playing reserves this weekend

The Panthers are without a win after five rounds – four defeats and a bye – and despite another vigorous  recruiting campaign is on the brink of losing all hope of getting into finals contention.

Fevola joined Melton South as joint coach with close associate Sean Triplett last year and took the Panthers from a winless 2016 and the wooden spoon to six wins and eighth – missing finals on percentage.

Fevola kicked 56 goals and this year is a joint coach with Ash Manning.

Triplett remains involved with Melton South in a football department role and was on Sunday nominated as the spokesman to comment on Fevola’s immedate playing future, but The Courier was unable to make contact with him.

Meanwhile, another BFL big name Jake Edwards starred in his return from injury for Darley in the reserves. 

Edwards, who had not played since round two, kicked seven goals.