COACH Simon Goodwin says Melbourne will prepare for Geelong’s best – whether it includes Patrick Dangerfield or not – when the Demons tackle the Cats at the MCG on Sunday.

Speaking at AAMI Park on Thursday, Goodwin said his team was ready to take on the Cats with superstar midfield trio: Dangerfield (if he overcomes a hamstring injury), Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood.

“We know what type of player he (Dangerfield) is – he’s very dynamic, but put the three of them together in the midfield and it’s going to be interesting to see how they go,” he said.

“There are clearly three very special players there – generational type of players – so it’s a great challenge for our young midfield group.

“They’re (Melbourne’s midfielders) really looking forward to the challenge of playing against a quality midfield, so I’m interested to see how they go.”

Goodwin said tagging Dangerfield was an option, but he was mindful that there were other players to consider.  

“They’re a quality footy club,” he said.

“They’re a mature group and they have some standards in the way they play and their performance and they’ve got a really dynamic midfield.

“I think we’re in for a real treat on Sunday with the quality of football that we’re going to see – and we expect them to be at their best.”

Goodwin said there was enormous belief and hunger among the players.

“Clearly, the way we finished last year wasn’t ideal, but we’ve regrouped, had a fantastic summer and we’re united in what we want to do,” he said.

“It starts now and the players are looking forward to it. It’s great to get into footy. It’s been a great summer for our club.

“We’ve had a terrific season in our training and we’re really looking forward to Sunday – a home game at the MCG and a big crowd and we can’t wait to get into it.”

Goodwin said 40 of Melbourne’s 44 players would be right to play, adding that selection had been tough, but a great position to be in.

“We’ve got 30 guys who could easily play round one, which is terrific for the club,” he said.

“It’s putting a lot of pressure on selection, but we’re going to pick a really fit team.”