IT WAS a cold Wednesday morning at Gosch’s Paddock as Melbourne hit the track for its main training session of the week.
Although the conditions will be the exact opposite up in Darwin on Saturday, Billy Stretch said the boys took a lot out of the run.
“I guess it’s good to practice in any conditions – you don’t know what you’re going to get dished up on game day,” Stretch told Melbourne Media.
“It was a good session off a six-day break – short and sharp and just focusing on fundamentals and connection with our forwards.”
The Demons had a poor outing against GWS last Sunday, leaving themselves with plenty of areas to improve on this week.
“We pride ourselves on contested possessions, so getting back to our DNA and getting that at the forefront of our game was a big focus,” Stretch said.
Melbourne will need to get back to its best around the ball this week if it’s any chance to get over the Crows.
And while the Dees have been flat at times this season, Stretch said the group hasn’t been too disheartened.
“Spirit is a massive focus and that brings a lot of the energy on game day and at training,” he said.
“We’ll be looking to get that up this week and hopefully turn things around up in Darwin.”
Although youngster Kyle Dunkley won’t be making his senior debut this weekend, the Demons’ newest recruit has provided a spark around the group.
Dunkley was selected by the club with pick No.3 in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Monday night and has instantly clicked with the group.
“It’s fantastic for Kyle, he seems like a great kid,” Stretch said.
“It’s good to have him out there already so hopefully he plays this week and gets right amongst it, but he’s settling in really well.”
A main focus of the training session was the fitness of a number of key Demons who were pushing their claim for selection.
Christian Salem has overcome his concussion symptoms and will be ready to play this weekend, while Michael Hibberd also trained well to put his hand up after a collarbone injury.
Steven May and Kade Kolodjashnij both completed the session and will line up in the VFL on Saturday, but Jake Lever (ankle) is set to be rested after running laps this morning. A call is yet to be made on Harry Petty who didn't train due to knee soreness.
