MAX GAWN is embracing the current AFL training restrictions, saying he sees great benefit in the new protocols.

Speaking on RSN on Tuesday morning, the Melbourne skipper admitted that while the measures have taken a bit of getting used to, he can see the long-term potential in them.

“It’s a bizarre set of protocols…but we understand it is to get football up and going, and so far, it’s working," Gawn said.

“The training in groups of seven – I reckon there’s something in that.

“Our midfield little group of seven has almost never been closer, purely because we’ve done everything together over these last three weeks.

“I’d almost push to be in groups of seven for the rest of the year, in a way – still be able to see your other teammates and have main training sessions, but the little groups sort of work.”

Under the AFL’s guidelines, the Demons have been training in six separate groups, with each allocated one coach to work with.

Three groups occupy the Casey Fields facility at the one time, before switching, in an effort to minimise the risk of any potential COVID-19 outbreak.  

While the changes are not too dissimilar from the usual schedule, Gawn said the players are making the most of the ‘new normal’.

“The way it’s set up now, we do get two big main trainings on Wednesday and Saturday,” he said.

“Normally, Monday to Friday, on the other days, we’re in smaller groups – maybe not seven, but you’re in smaller groups.

“You do interact with everybody else throughout the day, but your meetings are generally in groups of 10 or so.

“Now it’s been forced that you’re always in the same group, it just brings that element of that group constantly building chemistry.”

As part of the midfield crowd, Gawn has been training alongside Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson.

And using the extra time to their advantage, Gawn is confident the close contact will pay off.

“The chemistry we’re building as a seven, it’s showing in our intra-club so far,” he said.

“We’re starting to become a little bit more selfless for each other, because we know a bit more about each other.

“I definitely see a little bit of structure potentially going forward of being in similar groups.”

While the players have taken the strict measures in their stride, this week will make for slightly more adjustment, as they prepare to recommence their 2020 campaign.

“You genuinely have to go home straight after the club, which is the one that still gets a few players,” Gawn said.

“Especially game routine and stuff like that – a lot of players like to do different things. Some like to have saunas and ice baths and full recovery.

“That’ll be the interesting thing going into this week.”

Melbourne will head to Marvel Stadium on Saturday, taking on Carlton at 4.35pm.