Melbourne forward Tom McDonald mines Bundesliga reports to fast-track return to play, Harley Bennell lights up match simulation

Injury-riddled star Harley Bennell continues to impress as he edges closer to a Melbourne debut, standing out in their closed match simulation. But there was a couple of notable absenteees.

Tom McDonald takes a mark at training. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

Melbourne spearhead Tom McDonald has mined real-time injury reports and data from the German Bundesliga to understand the risks around returning to play after the COVID-19 shutdown.

Germany's professional football competition was among the first in the world to restart amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"I've been watching the German soccer a little bit and looking at the injuries," McDonald said.

"They’ve had reports on their GPS data and how it will translate and the fitness from a break when you can only train in pairs to what it's like when you’re in a full team.

"It is a slight worry for injuries coming back as players but I think we have put ourselves in as good a position as you can be in a compromised situation.

"If anyone drew up the situation you wouldn't say it's perfect but given circumstances I think we're in a really good spot."

Get your footy fix on KAYO ahead of live matches returning soon. Watch classic battles from the 60s to today, docos, news and more. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Tom McDonald is takin advice from the Bundesliga. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

It comes as Melbourne ramped up its own preparations on Saturday at Casey Fields ahead of the AFL resumption with a closed-to-the-public match simulation session.

Jake Lever (managed) was a notable absentee, but speculative recruit Harley Bennell starred again as confidence grows the injury-prone former Gold Coast and Fremantle star has turned a corner.

"Harley was impressive again," McDonald said.

"He dominated last week … and this week looked really strong again.

"I feel like there's still 10 per cent more for him to give but he's almost holding himself back, waiting for game day, just because of how many troubles he’s gone through.

Harley Bennell continues to impress. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

"If he can have an impact where he's still got a bit more to give I think there's a really bright future for him."

While buoyed by the growth and potential of the Dees’ forward structure, McDonald lamented the missed some opportunities.

But veterans Nathan Jones and Aaron vandenburg (foot) did strengthen their own selection claims.

“There was a number of guys on both sides who really put their hand up to be selected next week,” McDonald said.

Originally published as Melbourne forward Tom McDonald mines Bundesliga reports to fast-track return to play, Harley Bennell lights up match simulation