MELBOURNE'S new VFL alignment with Casey will step up another gear this weekend when several listed Demons will play for the Scopions in the season-opener against former partner club Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the new alignment has been really tight and he praised the work of new Casey coach and ex-North Melbourne player Peter German.

"Peter has worked really hard and they've had a couple of good wins down there [in the practice matches]," he said.

"They're developing a couple of young blokes, which is really good.

"It's important that a lot of our players are going to be down there and Peter's track record is fantastic, coaching 'Subi' (Subiaco) – he's been a premiership coach, an assistant coach and he's doing a great job."

Melbourne development coach Kelly O'Donnell echoed Bailey's sentiments about the Casey partnership.

"We're really pleased with the way it's going at the moment and we're really pleased with our relationship with new coach Peter German. He's really flexible and understands what's required from the alignment," he said.

O'Donnell gives melbournefc.com.au the low-down on yet-to-debut Demons, including rookies, who are set to feature for the Scorpions this season. 

PLAYERS YET TO DEBUT FOR MELBOURNE

Rohan Bail
Rohan played very well at half-back on the weekend, after a couple of senior practice games. He's a mature recruit, so we're pleased with the way he's going on the wing or half-back. He's showed good composure under pressure and kicked the ball well.

Sam Blease
He's working his way through his 10-12 week program. He's probably a little bit behind Jack Watts in his preparation because he had a calf injury and some shin soreness. He's over them now and we're just monitoring his load. He's in the same situation as Jack; when he ticks all of the boxes, he starts to play.

Liam Jurrah
He's been progressing well. He's had a couple of minor hiccups, but he's played the last two or three matches with the Casey seniors and has adjusted really well to the VFL tempo. He had some VFL footy last year and we're pleased with the way he's going. He's got a lot of talent and is quite explosive and exciting. He's just got to work on becoming more consistent but that'll come as he gets fitter and stronger.

Tom McNamara
Tommy has had some groin issues over summer and he's had an interrupted pre-season since Christmas. He's just resumed and played a half with Casey reserves on the weekend. We'll look to ramp his game-time up in the next two to three weeks.

James Strauss
James hurt his ankle in a Casey practice match and he'll resume this week in the reserves.

Jack Watts
Jack's going well and he hasn't really put a foot wrong in his 10-week program. It's now school holidays, so he's training full-time with us. We'll be looking to play Jack in the next fortnight at Casey. For monitored game-time, he might start in the reserves, if he's fit and raring to go. We'll make up our minds when the time comes. 

THE ROOKIES

Rhys Healey
Rhys has had a bit of a back complaint in recent weeks. He played his first game for Casey reserves, playing a half, last week. He'll play three quarters in the Casey reserves this coming weekend. He showed some pretty good signs in his first game back. Rhys is a handy clearance player and is clean at the stoppages.

Daniel Hughes
He'll play his first game in the reserves this week on reduced game-time. He's coming back from a few injuries, including a hip operation. He spent last year out of the game so he's working his way back.

Jordie McKenzie
He's been playing in the Casey seniors and been going well. He's had a number of roles and is very versatile. He's been a standout with his clean ball-handing under pressure and his stoppage work.

Trent Zomer
Trent's been playing in defence for the Casey seniors. He's been given a chance down back and he's had two games where he has performed pretty well. Peter German put him at full-back for one game and he's also played up forward. We're getting him to become a bit more urgent in his game and he's been good and responded well.