MELBOURNE player/coach performance manager Brendan McCartney provides an update on all 45 players in the lead-up to the 2017 season. Be sure to check back each day for most of January, as we present this year’s squad …

Max Gawn
He continues to apply himself and look forward – Max is always looking to get better, which is a credit to him. He’s still a young ruckman, in terms of games played, game sense and years played. Max has a body that is close to being developed, but still has developing to do and he has some opportunities to improve. Max has not only become a great ruckman, but a fantastic player and bloke to have around the club. He’s an important part of the fabric around the playing group.

Mitch Hannan
We didn’t have a good look at Mitch pre-Christmas because he was recovering from a shoulder injury. His recruiting tapes were very good and he’s a high quality person with a lot of drive to get better. He’s already shown a willingness to work his way through the grade, which is a big tick. It shows an application and commitment, but he’s also disciplined off the field and has worked hard to build a career, so the person package is very good. Mitch has undoubted talent, which we saw in the VFL finals, so we’re looking forward to seeing him get out there this year.

James Harmes
James continues to develop. He continues to get a bit fitter, faster and stronger, and learn more about the game. James has become a real student of the game and a hard worker, so it’s full credit to him. It’s probably the key thing that is driving his career. It’s allowing some really good natural talents to flourish.