IT HAS BEEN a whirlwind few days, not only for the Melbourne Football Club, but for the entire world.

With COVID-19 proving to be so lethal, the Demons have relocated their men’s football program, minimising interactions with other people.

And while it has been a shock to the system for defender Jake Lever, he is comfortable with the club’s new home base of Casey Fields.

“[There was a] little bit of confusion obviously first up,” Lever told Melbourne Media.

“But once we came in here on Thursday after our four-day break, the club, and especially Mahns (Josh Mahoney) and Zeeshan (Arain), our club doctor, gave us a real clear indication on what’s going to be happening over the next sort of foreseeable future.”

The move that sees the Dees operating out of Casey indefinitely has been well received by the playing group, as they continue to go about their business as usual.

“For us, I think we’re pretty clear on what we’re going to do, and it’s been pretty exciting to be honest,” Lever said.

“A lot of us enjoy the drive out here, put on a podcast, and the mood’s been really good since we’ve been here.

“Two training sessions out here at the minute and I think we’ve probably trained the best we have so it’s really pleasing.”

Melbourne hit the track on Saturday morning as the boys continue to prepare for Round 1, which at this stage has been confirmed to go ahead.

And although there are limitations on what the boys can do away from the club, Lever will try to stick to his routine as closely as possible.

“I think that’s the most important thing – just making sure that we keep the preparation similar,” he said.

“We’re just looking forward to Sunday next week over in Perth.”

The season opener against the Eagles will be played in an empty Optus Stadium, and while it is a disappointing outcome for fans that were looking to attend, Lever understands exactly why the decision was made.

“I think it’s probably more for the safety of everyone,” he said.

“You probably think that everyone’s talking about it might be for the safety of the players, but I think it’s for the safety of everyone.

“It’s obviously such a weird and unique experience that we’re going through at the minute, so I think for us it’s just really important that everyone stays safe.”

It’s going to be a different start to the home and away season for both players and spectators, but after a long off-season, the Dees are just happy to be playing footy again.

“Last night, sitting there around the phone waiting for that call whether Round 1 was going ahead, and when it was, there was an instant sigh of relief and excitement throughout the group,” Lever said.

“We’ve got a bit of a WhatsApp message – everyone was really excited to be able to play next Sunday.

“We’ve done a really long pre-season, trained really hard, and we’re just looking forward to playing now.”