BRODY Mihocek made an immediate impression in his first season at Melbourne, joining a young group that played an exciting brand of football and built strong momentum early in the year.

While a serious injury on King’s Birthday cut Mihocek’s season short, the Demons went on to play finals, he watched from the sidelines, staying close to the group and supporting his teammates through the end of the campaign.

“It was nerve-racking coming to a new club and not knowing what to expect,” Mihocek said. “But to have a good start with Kingy at pre-season, set the ambitions pretty high, and get a start to the year like we had... to make a final, we should be proud while still feeling that disappointment we couldn’t go further.”

Mihocek said Melbourne’s young playing group made the first few months particularly enjoyable.

“It was a new group, a young group, so we knew there were going to be challenges, not knowing how the game would unfold sometimes,” he said. “But we made things work and played some exciting footy.”

The Demons’ high-scoring approach also suited the forward line.

“We were scoring a lot and, as a forward, that’s a good thing,” Mihocek said. “We all enjoyed playing together, and I think the younger boys had a successful year. To start off playing with them was very exciting.”

Mihocek said he felt part of the group almost immediately after his move from Collingwood.

“When I got the trade over, I got a lot of messages and pretty much I was in straight away,” he said. “The five days spent (on pre-season camp) with the playing group, that really made me feel at home.”

After his injury, being back at the club as soon as possible became an important part of his recovery.

“The amount of support I got from the playing group and all the staff was huge,” he said. “I wanted to get back into the club straight away and feel part of it again.”

Although he could no longer contribute on the field, Mihocek remained involved with the forwards and helped support other players in rehabilitation.

“I just tried to help the forwards when I could,” he said. “There were a few long-term rehab players towards the end of the season, and I think just making them want to come in helped. They did the same for me.”

The experience has shifted Mihocek’s perspective, with his focus now on returning to training and building back to full fitness.

“I’m healthy now, and I still want to get back to footy and be fit and healthy. It’s still going to take time,” he said. “I appreciate just being part of a club and finding little things to still feel part of the group.”

“The plan is to start pre-season and see how it goes,” Mihocek said. “I know it’s going to take time, but I just want to start pre-season day one and get the ball rolling from there.”