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 …

Jay Kennedy-Harris

He was in rehab pre-Christmas, so we’ve taken a really precautionary model with Jay, given his hamstring reoccurrences. The summer has been about getting him stronger, and getting his back and general body strength up to protect the hamstrings. He showed some really positive signs towards the backend of the VFL season last year. Jay played in a way that the modern game has gone. He’s now very clear on what he needs to work on and the type of player he wants to be.

Dean Kent

Kenty has still got that scintillating speed and game breaking tendencies. He’s a year older now and maturing. We think we’ve got a really good player, who will drive some elements of our game style better than anyone. He’s on his way.

Mitch King

Mitch is still recovering from his knee injury. The focus is on his footwork, agility, acceleration and fundamentals. He’s still in that shorter term phase where he’s not ready for full contact yet – jumping and landing, so we’re maximising his time to build the basics of his game.