Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Demons need to improve physical conditioning over pre-season

MICHAEL Hibberd and Jake Melksham showed off their new colours on Monday as Melbourne’s quest to break the game’s longest finals drought began.

Former Bombers Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd hit the track. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MICHAEL Hibberd and Jake Melksham showed off their new colours on Monday as Melbourne’s quest to break the game’s longest finals drought began.

The former Bombers who sat out the 2016 season serving drug bans joined Demons’ youngsters as they launched pre-season at Gosch’s Paddock.

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New senior coach Simon Goodwin took his first session and will be supported by fresh coaching faces Matthew Egan, Max Rooke (both development) and Troy Chaplin (offensive co-ordinator) next year.

Egan crossed from Essendon while Rooke’s arrival was announced on Monday after working at Gold Coast in 2016.

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Both former Cats players will link back up with long-time Geelong assistant coach Brendan McCartney at the Dees.

Goodwin said it would be a best-available approach at this month’s draft with the Demons “comfortable” with their depth in most positions.

Former Essendon players Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd start pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Melbourne holds picks 47, 69 and 84 and is believed to be considering a couple of smoky prospects from its VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions, who reached this year’s Grand Final.

Goodwin said Heritier Lumumba had been “totally cleared” of concussion and was expected to join pre-season with the rest of the senior players on November 21.

Goodwin was excited by the health of the Demons with only Jack Viney (hip), Tom McDonald (shoulder), Cam Pedersen (shoulder) and Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) behind the Eight ball.

Like the first day of school, without the annoying Officeworks ads. Dees back on the track. pic.twitter.com/VrUTu9g65k

— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) November 6, 2016

Viney is one month from full training, vandenBerg is about a fortnight behind schedule while McDonald and Pedersen have only been ruled out of contact drills.

Viney and McDonald, who sported a Dante Exum basketball T-shirt, joined Hibberd and Melksham in the rehab group.

Goodwin said fitness boss Dave Misson was devising a pre-season plan to help Hibberd and Melksham ease back into the rigours of AFL.

Jesse Hogan runs laps at Gosch’s paddock. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Simon Goodwin takes his first training as senior coach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“It’s something that we’re pretty conscious of,” Goodwin said.

“We’ll gradually look after their loads and make sure by Christmas they’ve done a load required enough to get them into footy.

“They certainly won’t do extra. Dave’s got a really close handle on where they’re at.”

Goodwin recently spent about two weeks studying in the United States and devoted most of his time off to planning his first season at the helm.

The former Adelaide champion spent the past two seasons learning under predecessor Paul Roos as part of Melbourne’s succession plan and has already developed strong relationships with the players.

The Demons fielded the youngest team of the round 14 times this year, but now boast wise heads Melksham, Hibberd and Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis.

Christian Petracca leads the way at Melbourne pre-season training.

Jack Viney sprints at Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We’re just rapt to have Jordan on-board,” Goodwin said.

“When we went through the trade period, we certainly weren’t expecting to go after a senior-type player.

“But when that arose we were really comfortable to bring someone like Jordan on-board.

“He comes from a winning environment, he’s created some great habits and for a young group like we are, we need to really boost that on-field leadership and also role model behaviours.”

Goodwin said the Demons’ goal was to reach September for the first time since 2006.

“We’re happy with where our list is at, and we know we’re on the improve. But it’s not lineal and we need to ensure that we earn the right to play finals.”

Originally published as Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Demons need to improve physical conditioning over pre-season