Melbourne players put through punishing training session in return from Christmas break

JACK Watts, Dom Tyson and Michael Hibberd were among the casualties from Melbourne’s bruising first training session for 2017. SEE THE PICS

GILBERT GARDINER

less than 2 min read

January 5, 2017 - 12:35PM

Jack Watts cops a knock to the face at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MOUTH guards were in and intensity turned up as Melbourne returned to training for 2017.

And there were casualties.

Jack Watts left the gruelling session at Gosch’s Paddock early after a knock to the head in a bruising tackling drill.

The No.1 draft pick spent time with medicos on the sidelines before making the lonely walk back to AAMI Park.

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Colin Garland tweaked his ankle in a full-ground drill, while prime mover Dom Tyson walked off the track before training even started with a knee complaint.

Tyson hurt the knee before Christmas but was making inroads in his recovery.

Michael Hibberd ran laps before he too left early.

Clayton Oliver, in his first full session after an interrupted preseason, was rocked by a heavy Bernie Vince tackle but trained on.

Bernie Vince lays a strong tackle on Clayton Oliver. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Oliver feels the impact afterwards. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Young bulls Christian Petracca and Jack Viney locked horns in a tackling drill midway through the session that threatened to playfully boil over.

Petracca won the ball and celebrated by throwing it quarterback-style at the best-and-fairest winner in his first full session back from pre-season hip surgery.

There was plenty of puch and shove between Jack Viney and Christian Petracca. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Demons wound up the two-hour sweat session with repeat 200m sprints.

Skipper Nathan Jones led the way and was barely headed as teammates towards the rear struggled to keep up.

Jordan Lewis ran alongside Petracca in the first 10 or so, while ruckman Max Gawn kept stragglers in check.

Star forward Jesse Hogan was a notable abstenee but is expected back at the club on Monday after being given an extra week with family in Perth.

Nathan Jones was in superb condition at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Max Gawn is wrapped up by Neville Jetta. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

New Demons track watcher Frank Lenaghan, 88, said the players had returned in great shape.

Lenaghan has not missed a session since grandson Pat McKenna was traded to Melbourne after two luckless seasons with GWS.

“I’ve enjoyed watching my grandson become a man. The whole training sessions have been really outstanding, I haven’t missed one,” Lenaghan said.

“He’s found it really hard but he loves it. It’s really improved him. His pace has improved and he is a great mark and a great kick so he’s got a chance.”

Lenaghan played in six premierships between 1948 and 1956 including five with South Bendigo.