AFL TEAMS have all taken different approaches to the bye this year.

Some have stayed at home and kept to their routine, while others have taken off for exotic warm locations around Australia.

But for a select group of young Melbourne players two weeks ago, the bye weekend meant a camp in Warrnambool thanks largely to midfielder Brent Moloney.

Moloney, a Warrnambool boy, suggested the getaways to the western Victoria city four years ago as a method of changing the routine and getting to know younger players on the club's week off.

So while some might spend their breaks thawing out in the Queensland sun, Melbourne's young players were exposed to 5am starts, intense boxing sessions and swims in the freezing cold Southern Ocean.

As he does each year, Moloney joined his young teammates on this year's camp as the designated leader.

Leadership has been a word strongly linked with Moloney in 2011, having been appointed vice-captain to Brad Green before the season. But after an off-field disciplinary breach in April, Moloney lost the title and fronted the media to speak of his regret.

Two months later he was reinstated as vice-captain after doing everything right to justify being returned to the position.

Moloney says he always considered himself a leader but admitted at regaining some pride when he was handed back the title that had been taken away from him.

"It's a great honour. I was disappointed when I lost it and to be able to get it back in the short time was a great feeling," Moloney told melbournefc.com.au.

"Ever since I lost it I had a focus not to change a thing, to keep leading and keep driving these guys. They took it off me but there was also a chance I could get it back. I just wanted to keep leading and you don't need a title to lead. To have it back is great."

The 27-year-old said he took great interest in helping his young teammates find their feet at AFL level and enjoyed getting to know them on the Warrnambool trip.

"We get guys in the ring and give them confidence. They get taught how to get hit and we do a lot of sparring. We get them out of their comfort zone and it brings them together," he said.

"It's good bonding as well. You obviously ask questions and talk about things you wouldn't normally talk about when you're at a footy club."

Moloney is a relative old hand at the Demons now and this week celebrates his 100th game with Melbourne since arriving from Geelong at the end of 2004.

It has been a long and difficult road with injuries ruining several seasons, casting doubt in Moloney's mind about his body's ability to cope with the demands of AFL.

"You definitely question yourself and when I had osteitis pubis and did my shoulder I was thinking this mightn't be my game," he said.

"I battled through them, worked hard and came out the other side. I'm reaping the benefits now."

Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby