MELBOURNE’S AFL pre-season is ramping up with players putting their best foot forward this side of Christmas.

While they're not full matches just yet, the group have started completing 20-minute match-like drills, with Melbourne Media trackside to scope out the notable moments.

Anyone watching on would be able to quickly note that Kysaiah Pickett isn’t looking to slow down, despite having already had a career-best campaign in 2025. His quick feet and electric energy were back on Gosch’s and dare we say, with a slight edge to them, making the Demon even more of danger. 

A moment of excitement was a chain down the ground between K.Pickett and young draftee Xavier Taylor, the duo’s speed helping them link up through the centre and deliver the ball inside 50.

Changkuoth Jiath started strong during the half-ground match-sim, his intercepting and explosive speed out of defence a standout.

Through the middle and up forward, Jai Culley was as strong as ever, clunking marks and winning contests – two skills he became known for in the back-half of last season.  

One match-up that was particularly entertaining to watch was between Aidan Johnson and Jake Lever, who went head-to-head in the opening half. Johnson proved stronger in plenty of the one-on-ones.

Brody Mihocek seemed crucial up forward, not just from his own impact, slotting a number of goals, but from his vocals, clearly using his experience to help lead the young teammates around him.

Bursts of talent came from draftee Latrelle Pickett, one standout moment saw him speed down the ground, successfully taking on a number of players and coming out on top.

Second-year Demon Xavier Lindsay had moments of gold. There’s exciting potential with Lindsay for 2026, who was able to put together an impressive 2025 despite having not had a full pre-season in the lead up to games. With a full pre-season under his belt, there’s no telling where he can take his game next year.