Melbourne Demons News

Jack Viney is likely to miss the next two to three weeks after scans revealed the early signs of a hot spot in his sore foot.

"The good news is that there was no fracture in his toe so we got on to it early," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

After a month as a substitute, Aaron Davey says he relished playing as a starter for the first time against Richmond.

"When you're the sub a few times in a row, it makes you a lot hungrier to come out and be given that opportunity," Davey said.

"I felt like a teenager again, getting my opportunity at the start of the game. At the same time, I probably set myself to try and inspire my teammates early in the game."

Jack Trengove's manager, Adam Ramanauskas, says his client is capable of handling the challenges of captaining arguably the league's worst side in Melbourne despite his youth.

"I can tell you absolutely he is growing into the role," Ramanauskas said.

"It's difficult to be a captain of an AFL club, particularly when the team is struggling, but I've got no doubt Jack will come out on the other side because, firstly, the way he prepares himself as a footballer and the quality of the person."

As pressure mounts on Demons coach Mark Neeld, Paul Roos says he has no interest in taking over the job.

"It doesn't interest me, I enjoy what I'm doing so in the here and the now I just can't see myself doing it", Roos said.

"If you do it just for money then I'm the wrong coach."

Former Collingwood forward Chris Dawes believes he made the right decision in switching clubs despite the Demons' recent woes.

"I look at the turnaround in effort consistently across the board just in the last three or four weeks of footy," Dawes said.

"That if anything re-affirms my confidence that I have made the right decision coming to a team that's improving and that wants to improve.''

Chris Dawes says he is excited about running out for his Demon debut this week after struggling to get his hamstring right.

"There is just a real sense of excitement that I'm about to make my debut for the club," he said.

"It's been frustrating not being out there, especially when there were patches in games where we weren't competitive."

Nathan Jones will join Jack Trengove as co-captain of the Demons after Jack Grimes is sidelined with a long-term shoulder injury.

Jarrad Waite is offered a one-match suspension for making contact with his head to Melbourne defender Tom McDonald, an act which Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says the forward can be forgiven for.

"There are ways and means of doing it I guess and he has fallen foul of the law," Malthouse said.

"I still think that Jarrad is the type of player when his energy levels are up he does help us and we have to be very careful about being too critical."

Jack Grimes will miss up to eight weeks due to a broken collarbone sustained when he landed on his shoulder following a heavy tackle against Carlton.

"He's had a couple of injuries, Jack. That's part of the game," Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said post-match.

"He's a courageous young fella, Jack, and you put your head over it, and put your nose over it, these things happen."

Mitch Clark says his foot is feeling fine and hopes to return to be playing again soon.

"When I originally did the first injury, I had staples inserted in there. Just before Christmas I had those staples removed because I snapped one of those," Clark said.

"While the surgeon was in there doing that surgery, the Lisfranc joint was a little bit loose so I had a screw inserted in there.

"The last few weeks I've been battling away with the foot a little bit. I got to the point where I wasn't able to get up anymore so we decided to take the screw out and it's relieved some pressure."

Jack Watts will miss two weeks with a hamstring strain.

Former Melbourne star David Schwarz has cast doubt on Mark Neeld's future as the coach and says he would return to Demons as the club continues to flounder.

"The footy club is in serious trouble. Our footy department has been a debacle. There hasn't been anything down in the football department that's worked," he said.

"Cameron Schwab is probably the first step of many before this club is actually up and going. It's a proud club. I don't want to see my club go down.

"I actually want to go back and help. (I will do) whatever needs to be done.

"If that means going on the board or if that means I gave up everything to become a coach, well I would do whatever needs to be done so my footy club does survive.

"Because without that footy club, I'm not sitting here."

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/david-schwarz-casts-doubt-on-mark-neelds-future-as-coach-and-says-he-would-return-to-his-beloved-club/story-e6frf3e3-1226631880283#ixzz2RzY73Z8w

Melbourne interim chief executive Peter Spargo insists his board trusts Mark Neeld to deliver improved performances after a disastrous start to the season.

"Our support is with Mark Neeld and the football department, we're very confident they can take us to where they need to go," Spargo said.

"In a football sense and a board sense we take things on a weekly and monthly basis, and we don't look to what's happening at the end of the year, we just look to what's happening this week.

"We just want an improved performance, Mark's very clear on that. He's told us that we're going to get that and we believe him and trust him."

Colin Garland, Sam Blease and Mitch Clark pledge support for embattled coach Mark Neeld after the Demons were thumped by Essendon to the tune of 148 points.

"As a group we've really got to stick together and find out who cares about the place," Garland said.

"We're 100 per cent behind Neeldy, we're just in a tough spot at the moment, hopefully we can get out of it," Blease said.

"We want to play for Neeldy, we love having Neeldy here, we're in this together. It's not just Neeldy - Neeldy's not out there on the ground," Clark said.

1999 Coleman medallist Scott Cummings says it's time for Jack Watts to become a leader himself at the Demons after Watts recently lamented the lack of leadership at the club.

"This kid has got everything, he's been handed everything … you can do whatever you like if you actually have a dip," Cummings said.

"A more disappointing No.1 draft pick I do not know. He's been there five years, five years he's been there.

"Seriously, mate, do not come out, unless you're firing a shot, unless you're actually having a crack, or have had a crack at any stage of your five-year career and led the way."

Melbourne defender Jack Watts says his club is suffering from a lack of leadership and a losing culture.

"A lot of it is to do with confidence (and) mindset. We've been losing for so long now and it's 'what can you do?' " Watts said.

"You look at the good teams like Geelong and Hawthorn and Fremantle and those kind of things. You've got guys like Selwood, Joel Corey, Stevie Johnson, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis - they stand up and they don't accept that (losing) for their club.

"We don't have anyone like that today and that's the kind of thing that we need to work on.

"That sort of culture and that grit to be able to turn those things around when momentum goes against us, because at the moment we just crumble."

Chris Dawes' debut for the Demons remains elusive after the key forward re-injures his hamstring, facing another month on the sidelines.

"Chris is unfortunately having some ongoing issues with his hamstring," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He's injured it again during training last week, so at this stage, we'd be expecting the hamstring program to be three to four weeks away from playing."

Despite only playing his first game, Jack Viney took it upon himself to speak to the Melbourne playing group after an embarrassing 79-point loss to Port Adelaide in the opening round of 2013.

"Jack spoke to the players. He's got a mature head on his shoulders and he acquitted himself well on his AFL debut," Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said.

"He is - if it's possible when you play your first game - he's probably been a Melbourne person for longer than anyone else in that room. He just spoke about that, which is from his heart."

Viney finished with 22 disposals, 6 clearances and a goal on debut.

David Rodan says he wants to make the most of his time with Melbourne.

"I want to prove to the playing group that I still have what it takes to play at the level. You need to gain respect from the playing group and also the coaching staff," Rodan said.

"And at the same time, seeing these younger guys come through and helping them develop is quite rewarding as well."

Liam Jurrah has been arrested, locked up and refused bail after allegedly assaulting three women at an Alice Springs 24-hour store during the early hours of Thursday morning.

Liam Jurrah is arrested in Alice Springs after allegedly taking part in a disturbance.

Mitch Clark admits to at times being despondent as he recovers from a severe Linsfrac tear in his right foot.

"You do go through a few dark times there, it's a long hard battle in rehab," Clark said.

"Being out for so long you're trying to figure out whether you can still play footy I guess, but I've gained confidence in training over the last month and obviously I'm going to get better as time goes by."

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou says the league would welcome back Liam Jurrah after the troubled forward was found not guilty of assaulting his cousin.

"Of course he would. He's been found not guilty," Demetriou said.

"He's been through a very traumatic period, but he's had the opportunity to defend himself and he's been found not guilty and he would be welcome back into the industry, obviously."

Liam Jurrah is acquitted of assaulting his cousin during a wild brawl in Alice Springs and says he hopes to make a return to football.

"Yes, that is my dream ... it's very important to make my family happy again," Jurrah said about playing footy again.

"I'll probably be heading back to Adelaide now to see where I'm at ... I'm feeling pretty happy right now."

Melboure coach Mark Neeld says the club is aiming to have Mitch Clark available for round one.

"Our medical staff have been really strong in their projection from the day after Mitch had his foot reconstruction, that the aim was round one," Neeld said on Wednesday.

"We haven't deviated from the possibility of that happening. His final hurdle was to play in a hitout, and he'll do that on the weekend.

"He'll be full scale, go for your life. The club doctor is saying he's ready to go, so we'll let him go for the full game and he should be fine."

Liam Jurrah admits to a court to being armed but says he did not attack his cousin.

"I had a crowbar and a wooden stick from the couch," Liam Jurrah says in a police video.

"(I) didn't have any fight or fight with anybody that night."

A court is told that Liam Jurrah celebrated as he attacked his cousin with a machete by witness Esau Marshall.

Liam Jurrah's cousin tells a court he was attacked with a machete by his cousin in an incident when another man hit him with an axe and kicked him.

A court has heard that Liam Jurrah was just standing around and not involved in an alleged attack that saw his cousin injured.

A court is told Liam Jurrah was seen with crowbar on the day he allegedly assaulted his cousin.

Liam Jurrah pleads not guilty at his Supreme Court trial with witnesses expected to testify that he assaulted his cousin with a weapon and continued hitting him when he was on the ground, causing serious facial and skull lacerations.

Nathan Jones says the club must take its time in developing young guns Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney.

"You can't expect guys who are 17 or 18 to come in and dominate midfields, particularly with how the competition is now," Jones said.

"There are a lot of big bodies, and those younger boys need to develop themselves to cope with the rigours and pressures of the game."

James Sellar kicks five goals to help Melbourne to a two-point win over the Power in a NAB Cup match and Demons defensive coach Jade Rawlings says the big man's versatility will be an asset to the club this season.

"I was really pleased with Sellar because he's done most of his training down in the backline," Rawlings said.

"He can ruck, he can play key back, he can play key forward, and whilst it'd be great to be able to set him down in one spot, the lay of the land is that you need to be flexible … mentally he's quite strong to be able to absorb that."

Sam Blease is set to miss four to six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during the a NAB Cup match.

"It's disappointing because he has had a very good pre-season and he has been able to build on his endurance base during the pre-season and we want to make sure he is able to maintain as much as he can during this lay-off," Melbourne football operations manager Josh Mahoney said.

Chris Dawes says teammate Jesse Hogan will be a player to watch when he become eligible to play for the Demons in 2014.

"Because he's so talented and such a competitive individual that there's going to be expectations placed on him from external sources but also internally from himself," Dawes said.

"As long as he can manage that then I think he's going to be a super player."

Melbourne re-sign prized recruit Jimmy Toumpas even before he has played a game for the club.

Toumpas' new deal will secure him as a Demon until the end of 2015.

"We're rapt that Jimmy has seen his future at the Melbourne Football Club," Demons list manager Tim Harrington said.

"He's infectious, has the right personality and he's brought a lot of excitement to his teammates.

"I think the fans are going to be really pleased with what they see on field, but we also see him making a good off-field contribution, even in the early years of his career."

After suffering concussions twice in 10 days, Melbourne has decided to omit Rohan Bail from contact drills for six weeks.

Former Melbourne football operations manager Chris Connolly has been banned from football for 11 months and former senior coach Dean Bailey suspended from coaching for 16 rounds as a result of the AFL's investigation into the club's on-field performance during the 2009 season.

The AFL ruled that both Connollly and Bailey "had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL".

Bailey will be allowed to continue his role as assistant coach of the Crows during his suspension but will not be allowed to perform any match-day role or work with players.

"Dean is a very admirable man, and through the whole situation, and from the date of his termination up until the present he has acted admirably," Bailey's lawyer Chris Pollard said.

"I emphasise that there is no evidence from the investigation that he was not coaching to his utmost and coaching to his merits. The fact is he has not been found guilty of not coaching to his merits."

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld says the club will take its time in developing prized recruits Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney.

"Our plan is not to play those boys every game, be it NAB Cup games or the home and away season," Neeld said.

"We get lots of information and among that the workload increases every week and every season. It's hard for an 18-year-old to come in and make an impact on every game.

"We want them to be long term players for the football club, so we don't want to kill them early."

Melbourne recruit Shannon Byrnes impresses kicks five first-half goals in an intraclub practice match while also impressing coach Mark Neeld with his leadership skills.

"He's been really good for us over summer with his leadership and the way he plays. For him to come out and play that way was good," Neeld said.

"He might be short in stature but in terms of volume he's pretty loud and that's great for our young players to hear and to see the way he moves."

Jack Trengove hopes to be ready for round one as he recovers from a navicular stress fracture in his left foot.

"My aim is to get back [for round one]. Whether or not that happens, we'll just have to wait and see because it is a day-to-day thing in terms of how it recovers each day after a big session," Trengove said.

"In terms of where the fracture is, it's not in the really bad spot."

Liam Jurrah has hands himself into police, a day after a warrant was issued for his arrest following his failure to appear in a South Australian court.

Max Gawn has again relegated to Dees' long-term injury list after sustaining a hamstring injury during Melbourne's pre-season training.

Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes are named in the Demons' leadership group, joining co-captains Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove as well as vice-captain Nathan Jones.

"We are pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods," Demons head coach Mark Neeld said.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013.

"Nathan Jones has been recognised for his contributions both on and off the field last season, and he, along with the others' leadership, will provide great support for our captains."

Liam Jurrah is caught drink-driving at more than five times the legal limit.

"The 24-year-old from Elizabeth was detained after he appeared affected by alcohol and then breath tested returning a reading of 0.269, more than five times the legal limit of 0.05," South Australian police said in a statement.

"The man was reported for driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding the prescribed level of alcohol and breaching a probationary licence.

"His driver's licence has been disqualified for 12 months and he will be summonsed to appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court at a date to be decided."

Melbourne Demons players, including Jeremy Howe, James Frawley and Lynden Dunn, involved in an ugly spat with fans at the Boxing Day Test at the MCG get the all clear by the club.

"They weren't evicted from the MCG, there was a discussion taken place with security with the suggestion stay in the spot if you want to guys, or move to another area or go," Demons coaching director Neil Craig said.

"And they decided to leave in the end, so there is a different connotation to leaving versus being evicted."

Nathan Jones says the Demons' midfield will improve considerably with the injection of young talent including draftees Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Viney and Dean Kent.

"They are going to come in and add some real class," Jones said.

"They will eventually catch up in dealing with the rigours of the game and eventually will be the staple of the midfield."

Chris Dawes says he will miss many of his Collingwood teammates but is excited with his new club, the Demons.

"The nice thing is at least I did achieve that (a flag) there so I don't have that sense of unfinished business quite so much. With those blokes I played in a flag with, there's a handful I will remain close friends with," Dawes said.

"When you get to a new club, you need to earn the respect of your teammates as quickly as possible and I've been trying to do that as best I can."

Shannon Byrnes says he has been invigorated by his move to Melbourne and is excited about working with his new forwardline teammates at the Demons.

"I love the forwardline group," Byrnes said.

"There is a bit of brotherhood down there. You have got to love the blokes that you play with. It makes you a better side and makes you enjoy playing a lot more if you have a strong bond with the guys you spend most of the time out on the ground."

Melbourne players Jeremy Howe, James Frawley and Lynden Dunn will reportedly have to explain themselves to the club in the new year after a boozy Boxing Day at the MCG.

Howe was asked to leave by the ground's security staff after a confrontation with fans during the opening day of the second Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Known for his ferocious attack on the ball and the opposition ball carrier, Demon father-son draftee Jack Viney says he needs to harness his aggression in the AFL in a more effective manner.

"At the moment it is a bit all over the shop, probably inefficient, so if I can really focus that aggression on specific parts of the game than I will be a better player for it," Viney said.

"The way I play will be more efficient and I will save more energy."

Mitch Clark has another operation to remove the staples from his injured foot as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury.

Ricky Petterd is picked up by Richmond in the rookie draft.

"In the first few weeks, I spent the whole time getting my body right so then I could start training," Petterd said.

"I've had a couple of good mates who are personnel trainers and fitness fanatics so they've been taking me training, which is great.

"When you get delisted from a club, you've got a lot to prove and that's what I wanted to do."

Port Adelaide say they won't select Liam Jurrah in the rookie draft, but says it will try to resurrect his AFL career by offering him a spot in its SANFL side.

"We think that injury-related fitness concerns together with off-field issues he is dealing with means it is not yet the right time to fully integrate him back into the AFL system and all that it demands," Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said.

"We believe these measures will enable Liam to have the best possible opportunity to find his way back into the AFL system in great physical condition, with proven form at SANFL level and with those non-football matters fully dealt with.

"All going well, that could be through any club in the AFL, but we would love it to be with Port Adelaide if everything works out."

Port Adelaide admits they have concerns over drafting former Demon Liam Jurrah.

"As we've said before, Liam's talent is unquestioned. It's other things we have to weigh up. There are off-field issues and he's had a couple of serious injuries, so we'll work through all of that," Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said.

"We're in the process of doing that now and and we'll make a decision at our final (draft) meeting on Monday."

Jack Trengove faces a six-week layoff and will need to wear a moon boot after scans revealed a stress fracture in his left foot.

"This is clearly a disappointing setback for Jack," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We expect Jack to be able to begin his running program in January. His rehab will be continually assessed but at this stage we are hopeful that he'll be available for the start of the AFL season."

Brisbane Lion Stefan Martin has put a frustrating final year at Melbourne behind him and is excited about his new home.

"I realise footy is a business these days. I wasn't offended or anything that they would trade me, that was fine," he said.

"I wasn't happy that I didn't play a lot of football that year, it's always frustrating when you're injured, but to have a fresh start in Brisbane is really exciting."

Port Adelaide great Warren Tredrea says the Power should abandon plans to draft high-flying forward Liam Jurrah.

"Jurrah's playing ability cannot be questioned, he has enormous talent, but he has a major court case hanging over his head and there is a chance he could go to jail," Tredrea said.

"Port is trying to rebuild after a few years of inconsistency, it's got a new coach, new players and a young playing group. The last thing the club needs is some off-field instability, so to me the risk of drafting Jurrah is too great."

Melbourne forward Matthew Bate is hoping to resurrect his career at the Western Bulldogs after being granted permission to train with them along with former Fremantle defender Nick Lower.

Ex-Demon Liam Jurrah has turned out at Port Adelaide training and is looking fitter and slimmer than reports have suggested.

"He's really excited about getting an opportunity to show he can play AFL football still and we don't doubt he can play the game, we've just got to make sure he's physically able to play the game," Power coach Ken Hinkley said.

"His turning up here today ... in a new environment to train - and I would imagine he knows there's some scrutiny coming - (suggests) his focus is pretty right."

Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes will wear the No.31 jumper that AFL legend Ron Barassi made famous.

"We believe he has the characteristics and the Melbourne heritage. He is a lifelong Melbourne supporter. We thought it was the obvious choice," Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said about Grimes inheriting the number.

Jimmy Toumpas' father, George Toumpas, says he he has no issues with his son moving out of Adelaide to pursue his AFL dream.

"Obviously as a dad you want to keep your kids in your home state, but we doubt that's going to happen," he said.

"Honestly, anywhere is going to be great. I know everybody probably says that but the fact is that, regardless, we're still going to be in the same country. It's not like Europe where you might have to fly for 10 hours to get to each other. We're only in Adelaide, so if he ends up in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, they're only an hour to 2½ hours away."

Neville Jetta, Tom Gillies, Tom Couch, Troy Davis and Michael Evans have all inked new deals for 2013 with Melbourne.

Melbourne has re-signed an experienced trio of players including Lynden Dunn, Joel MacDonald and James Sellar.

All three were consistent in the second half of the season and played a role in steadying the ship," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington said.

"They played a particular role at different times that was valuable for the team."

Melbourne defender Clint Bartram retires after succumbing to a degenerative knee problem.

"He's played under duress for a long time of which you would never know, and he is a self-manager and a self-starter and what you see on the field is also what you see on the training track and around the club," Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said.

"We're really sad to see Clint go."

Adelaide could have had Mitch Clark in a straight swap deal for Kurt Tippett last year if the Crows had put the right offer to him.

"Adelaide never came up, never ever came up," Clark's manager Colin Young said.

"Mitch would have gone. There's no problems with Adelaide, they're a great club. You wouldn't mind any player going there.

"In the end Melbourne's presentation was too good to refuse (but) the Crows could have matched the offer."

Ricky Petterd will join Richmond training and says he is prepared to accept a rookie contract to keep his career alive.

"If a rookie spot became available somewhere, I would be stoked," he said.

"I would have that year to prove myself and fit in, and try to go from there."

Liam Jurrah is expected to train with Port Adelaide in the next two weeks as the Power zero in on the troubled star.

"We won't be considering him for the national draft (where Port have three picks inside the top 31) but we might get him out to train with us just before or after that and we'll see where we go from there," Power football manager Peter Rohde said.

"Clearly he is an amazing talent but we need to see just how keen he is to play AFL football again, what his fitness is like and put him through a full medical because he has had injury problems and we don't know how his body is holding up.

"So we'll do our due diligence and see where that leads us."

Discarded Demon Matthew Bate says he can have an impact at a new club, placing leadership high on his list of attributes.

"The last two years have been pretty tough, on-field wise, for both me and Melbourne. That was a time where I put a lot of effort into developing leadership skills and realising with such a young group I could have a big influence over those guys," Bate said.

"I really pride myself on being able to show a lot of good character when things are tough for me and the team - whether it be around the club, helping guys one on one or setting training standards like helping set a really good culture."

Brent Moloney will wear Michael Voss' old number when he runs out with the Brisbane Lions in 2013.

Injured Melbourne star Mitch Clark takes a vital step forward in his recovery from a serious foot injury by running on an AlterG treadmill.

"You can adjust the percentage of your body weight which you're running at, which is a pretty good tool for us," Melbourne's elite performance manager Dave Misson said.

"For Mitch at the moment, it's about controlling the load that's going through his foot, so this treadmill allows us to start him today (Monday) at 80 per cent of his body weight."

Carlton's coaching panel under Mick Malthouse has been finalised, with Brad Green signing as a development coach.

"I said when I announced my retirement from playing that I was passionate about a career in the coaching department as I want to continue to be involved in the game I love," Green said.

"It is fantastic to have this opportunity and very exciting to join the Carlton Football Club and to have the opportunity to work with Mick Malthouse and the coaching team. I am really looking forward to an exciting year."

A Demons player breaks his silence to reveal coach Dean Bailey called a player meeting to signal a change in tactics midway through the 2009 season.

"It was at the Junction Oval. All the players got spoken to as a group," the player said.

"He (Bailey) took us in and said this is what we're going to do going forward for the rest of the year. This is the position we are at.

"He said: 'Look, you blokes are going to get played out of position. We want to see what roles you guys can play because now in today's game you need to play a number of roles and we are building a list to go forward'.

"'We need you guys to be able to do this, so don't be shocked or ask questions why - because I'm telling you why right now'."

Former AFL player agent Ricky Nixon is expected to plead guilty to two of seven remaining charges relating to the alleged assault of his former fiancée Tegan Gould, a court has been told.

Nixon was expected to plead guilty to recklessly causing injury and escaping police custody over the July incident, alleged to have taken place at his Port Melbourne apartment.

Nixon is expected to contest five charges, including assaulting Ms Gould with a weapon (a kitchen knife), making a threat to kill, unlawful assault and false imprisonment.

Melbourne has re-signed three emerging players in James Strauss, Jake Spencer and Rohan Bail.

"These three form a part of the younger group who are coming through together that we think are the players of the future," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington said.

Delisted Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd is determined to resurrect his AFL career elsewhere.

"I am a realist, and I understand that clubs can only hold onto people with the injuries I've had for a certain amount of time," Petterd said.

"But … I'm just hoping that someone takes a chance, because I've definitely got a lot of good football in front of me."

The Power remain interested in troubled forward Liam Jurrah and Port Adelaide forward John Butcher is excited by the prospect of playing alongside him.

"[He's] one of the most exciting players in the AFL," Butcher said.

"It'd be great to have him running around in the forward line alongside you.

"But obviously that's up to the club, I think 'Kenny's' (Ken Hinkley) pretty keen to see him train or have a look at him, obviously interview him and meet with him again."

Melbourne has added to its list of trade departures, cutting a swathe of players which include Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd, Jamie Bennell, Lucas Cook, Liam Jurrah and rookies Jai Sheahan, Leigh Williams and Kelvin Lawrence.

Jordan Gysberts says he can't wait to repay North's faith after being traded to the Roos for Cameron Pedersen.

"He couldn't be happier - he really likes Brad Scott and he can't wait to work with the likes of Brent Harvey and Andrew Swallow and all the other North mids," Gysberts' manager Tim Hazell said.

"There was a bit of interest from other clubs but as soon as he met with North Melbourne he was determined to get there."

The Brisbane Lions have bolstered their big man department, signing Melbourne's Stefan Martin in exchange for picks No.53 and No.73.

"Structurally, a player of Stefan's ability is critically important as it provides us with a flexible tall who can be effective both in the ruck and around the ground," Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr said.



"We view Stefan as a natural support ruckman who can cover the ground really well. He presents another marking option up forward, and has also had experiencing playing down back.



"The shifting ruck rules seem to suit players with Stefan's athletic capabilities."

Demon Cale Morton heads home to WA, joining the Eagles in exchange for pick No. 88.

Jared Rivers hopes to create some good memories of Simonds Stadium now that he is a Geelong player.

I just can't wait to have some success, hopefully," Rivers said.

"I still think Geelong has got a really good list and a good core of older players, and the young guys coming through are outstanding.

"I think they've still got a real crack at winning a premiership, and I'm excited by that."

Melbourne defender Jared Rivers has signed a two-year contract with Geelong, moving to the Cats as an unrestricted free agent.

Demon high-flyer Jeremy Howe has used Twitter to show off his new tattoo that has an overt spiritual theme consisting of the stars of the Southern Cross and angels.

New Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley wants to meet Liam Jurrah before endorsing the Power's plan to rookie draft the ex-Melbourne Demons forward.

"Our view is Liam is an amazing talent, a great player. Everyone hopes to see him get another opportunity," Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said.

"But he certainly won't be on our list in October or November. We'll get him out to train at some stage and have Ken sit down with him."

Former Melbourne midfielder Brent Moloney says the Brisbane Lions were the right fit to restart his career after being left on the outer at Melbourne.

"I spoke to Mark Neeld after the season and expressed that I wanted to leave and felt it was time for a fresh start and he was really respectful in what I wanted," Moloney said.

"I just felt I wasn't going to be part of that next premiership plan."

Port Adelaide may offer former Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah a chance to resurrect his career.

"We need to better understand his position, but there's no doubt we'll be talking to him again at some stage; Ken (Hinkley) has an interest in it," Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said.

"We would only consider putting him on as a rookie perhaps or getting him to come out and train when we get back from overseas, so there's a fair bit of water to go under the bridge."

Brent Moloney is free to join the Brisbane Lions after Melbourne declined to match their offer for the restricted free agent.

Brent Moloney says he is looking forward to being a Lion soon as he undergoes a routine medical examination.

"Brisbane's a proud club with a good culture and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity," Moloney said immediately before taking his medical.

"I just thought it was the right fit for me. They won 10 games last year, just outside the finals, and I'm looking to play finals footy and I think they've got a good young list."

Melbourne midfielder Brent Moloney will join the Brisbane Lions if he passes a medical examination.

"Subject to a medical in Brisbane tomorrow he'll hopefully sign a contract with the Lions by the end of the week," Moloney's agent Bruce Kaider said.

"There's no reason why he won't pass the medical he's in great condition."

Jared Rivers' manager Nigel Carmody says his client may remain at Melbourne despite being an unrestricted free agent.

"By no stretch is he definitely leaving Melbourne," Carmody said.

"We're not in a position for him to be able to assess his future properly at the moment because we simply don't have all the facts."

With the Lions showing great interest in Brent Moloney, his manager Bruce Kaider says his client is willing to move anywhere to play football.

"He would absolutely be prepared to move interstate. That's not a concern, he's a professional footballer and that's what happens in professional sport," Kaider said.

"You may have to move especially with the game the way it is now. It's the nature of the business."

Brent Moloney's manager Bruce Kaider says his client is unlikely become a Bomber after the Dons signed Brendon Goddard.

"There's salary cap issues as part of all this free agency period that teams have got to be really aware of, and obviously Brendon goes there and takes up a big chunk of whatever salary cap space they had remaining," Kaider said.

"It would certainly make a deal tough at the moment but you never say never in this game."

The Brisbane Lions say they will target Brent Moloney or Clinton Young if their bid for Kurt Tippett fails.

"We would like to bring one mature body to the group. If it doesn't go our way with Kurt, we'll reassess our position," Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr said.

"If that's the path we go down, we'll certainly revisit it and have a look at Brent or a Clinton Young for example.

"They're the type of players we'd have to look at. The added attraction is they're free agents and don't cost you a draft pick."

Geelong football manager Neil Balme says Demons defender Jared Rivers and Roos ruckman Hamish McIntosh remain in its sights.

Brent Moloney's manager Bruce Kaider says he has spoken about the former Demon with all 17 other clubs.

"He's happy to look at any opportunities, he's not adverse to moving interstate," Kaider said.

"He'd like to help a team become successful; leadership is a part of what Brent can offer."

Liam Jurrah is living in Adelaide with relatives as his career remains in footy limbo almost a month after walking out on the Melbourne Demons.

St Kilda star Brendon Goddard heads the list of six restricted free agents released by the AFL which also includes Essendon's Angus Monfries, Melbourne's Brent Moloney, Port Adelaide duo Danyle Pearce and Troy Chaplin and Richmond's Luke McGuane.

Nathan Jones has been rewarded for a consistent season, winning his first Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Memorial Trophy.

Jones accepted the trophy while imploring his teammates to work towards driving the club towards success.

"I reckon right now the focus is pretty damned clear and the tone has been definitely set. You either buy in or buy out," Jones said.

"Build that drive inside because we need to get harder as a footy club and more importantly as a footy team. The club doesn't need to be where it is right now and it is up to us to drag it up the ladder where it should be."

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld admits Aaron Davey may have been brought back from injury too early this year.

"In hindsight, we probably brought Aaron back a bit early," Neeld told SEN.

"We were really keen to get him in the side but when we did we thought, 'Hang on, he's a bit underdone here'. Then his foot fell apart. He got a stress fracture - so he got put to bed."

After making his name as a high-flyer in 2012, Jeremy Howe says he must improve his goalkicking to become a bigger threat up forward next year.

"I pride myself with my goalkicking and have had opportunities where I should be kicking goals and I just haven't," Howe said.

"Definitely my confidence just wasn't there so I have been working heavily on that and that is going to be one of my main focuses (for next year) because to miss an easy opportunity is deflating for myself and the group."

The AFL's first free agent, Brent Moloney, says at least five clubs are interested in him, but he wants to play finals.

"Five or six clubs have contacted (my manager) Bruce (Kaider) and I think I've got three or four years to offer," Moloney said.

"I've been at the club for eight years and haven't had much success and I can't see myself being part of that next premiership plan, so that's a decision I made and I'm seeking finals experience and that's why you play the game."

Brent Moloney will be the first player to test free agency after he and Melbourne agree to part ways.

Controversial Melbourne Demons forward Liam Jurrah quits the club as his court case looms and hopes to resurrect his AFL career in Adelaide.

Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde said the club had talked with Jurrah's management but was not ready to commit to recruiting him.

"We think he is a very talented player," Rohde said in a statement.

"He is working through some complicated issues which we are keen to better understand before making any decision regarding our interest in bringing him to Port Adelaide."

Brent Moloney's manager Bruce Kaider says his client is still undecided about his future after falling out of favour at Melbourne.

"From our point of view no decision has been made. Melbourne Football Club made it pretty clear a few weeks back they were going to hold off talks until the end of the season," Kaider said.

"He needs to sit down and work out what he wants to do with his football career moving forward, and I think that sometimes gets lost."

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld says out-of-favour midfielder Brent Moloney is struggling to keep up with changes in the game but his work ethic cannot be questioned.

"Brent's work ethic to try and get into form has been really good. Unfortunately he's just not in great form," Neeld said.

"The rules have changed, stoppages are down, restart times are up, the game is played differently (and) the speed of the game certainly increased. So there are a whole range of things that are changing."

Brad Green retires with a warning to his young Melbourne Demons teammates about the effort and commitment required to be successful.

"The players, I have no doubt they're in for a hard pre-season, that's where it's all going to start for them," he said.

"It's not for everybody and it takes hard work. For those players who think it's an easy game, they're kidding themselves. There's a lot of talent, but talent only takes you so far."

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld says Brad Green retires as a legend of the club.

"He's a 13-year player at our club (and) the club's 150 years old," Neeld said.

"I think there's six players, or maybe even less, that have played more games than Brad. Club champion, club captain, played in a Grand Final. He's a legend of the club."

Green says playing his last game in a 69-point loss to the Crows was an emotional affair.

"You never think this day will come. You always think you can play on or you should play on," he said.

"To play your last game at the MCG and bow out like that is a little bit disappointing."

Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes paid tribute to his former captain.

"We really look up to 'Greeny' for the player and person he is. If I turn out to be half the bloke and player and contributor to this club that Greeny has been, I'll be a very happy man," Grimes said.

"He'll be sadly missed because he gives his heart and soul to this club and he has for such a long time. But he definitely won't be forgotten."

Retiring Melbourne veteran Brad Green has brought his retirement forward a week so he can play his last game at the MCG.

"Brad and I have been talking about what the end of the season looks like. After the discussion last week, Brad came to the realisation he wanted his last game to be at the MCG," Demons coach Mark Neeld said.

"It is still going to be a tribute game for Brad. These sort of things deserve to be dealt with on a case by case basis."

Promising Melbourne youngster Sam Blease has re-signed with the club for two years.

Brad Green denies news reports that he could be recruited by the Giants following his retirement from Melbourne.

"I announced my retirement and then they were saying that I'm going (to GWS)," Green said.

"It's news to me."

Liam Jurrah is unlikely to play again this season after being granted personal leave, raising questions about his AFL future.

"He certainly had not walked out on the club - he's just sorting out some personal issues," Jurrah's manager, Ned Guy, told The Age.

"Liam has made it clear to us that he wants to play next year. He just feels that he's had the worst year possible and he's struggling with a whole range of things," Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab added.

Melbourne's Clint Bartram had to put on nine kgs of fat to prepare for a cutting-edge operation designed to save his knee and his career.

"It was up to me to put on as much weight as quickly as I could," he said.

"It sounds like a glamorous job but it was in all honesty one of the hardest things I have had to do in my football career.

"Everything was supersized. It was a just a matter of getting all my calories up and cutting back all my cardio work."

Melbourne's Ricky Petterd will go for surgery this week on an Achilles injury that has ended his 2012 campaign.

"It has been decided that the best course of action is to operate," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"This will occur this week, giving Ricky the best chance to recover without it affecting his pre-season."

Sam Blease earns a Rising Star nomination for his performance against St Kilda after battling with injury, form, self-belief and a broken leg early in his career.

"I like to think I'm pretty confident in how I play and how I go about my footy. Coming back from a broken leg I was pretty low on confidence and there were times I didn't think I would actually make it back to play AFL," he said.

"That was before I even debuted. AFL footy is all about confidence and if you're up and about and you are confident you can generally do a lot with that. I've generally tried to do as much as I can without being cocky or arrogant but just quietly confident."

Melbourne rookie Kelvin Lawrence walks out on the club, ending his two-year career with the Demons to return to Perth.

"Despite the best efforts of the Melbourne Football Club and AFL Players' Association, Kelvin has decided that he is unable to meet the demands of AFL football and returned home to Perth," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We respect this decision and will make every effort to exit Kelvin appropriately."

Sam Blease lacks nothing in confidence and is now starting to build a reputation as a quality player on the rise after tallying 20 possessions and 5 goals againts St Kilda in just his 18th senior game.

"[I] put it back to the preparation and having the consistency of playing footy non-stop," Blease said.

"I haven't missed a game this year which has been good."

Mitch Clark expects to be available for the 2013 season opener after undergoing surgery for a foot injury.

"I was shattered when doc told me I would have to have surgery," Clark said.

"I was pretty gutted. It sort of did not sink in for a few days that my season was over until I was probably sitting at the hospital waiting to go in [for surgery].

"I have tried to stay positive about the whole thing and not let it get to me. I reckon I have had one or two days where it has got me down a fair bit but other than that I have been pretty positive."

Brad Green could be on his way to Greater Western Sydney in 2013 after the club refused to rule out recruiting the Demons veteran.

"Certainly there is a chance [of recruiting Green]," Giants' list manager Stephen Silvagni told The Age.

"We probably need to do a bit more homework on it all but his form has been pretty good the last half of the year and there might even be another club out there that thinks he might have another season in him if he still wants to play."

Former Melbourne captain Brad Green announces his retirement, saying it is the right time to move on.

"I know where this group needs to go and for them to move forward I need to step aside and let this emerging talent grow," Green said.

"I never wanted to overstay my welcome and take a young guy's spot. I wish nothing more than to see these boys succeed, but it takes hard work and a buy-in from everyone."

Cale Morton will undergo surgery on the injured shoulder he aggravated in the win over Gold Coast at the weekend. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Nathan Jones and Jeremy Howe have penned new three-year deals with Melbourne.

"Nathan Jones is going to be a central part of our midfield for many years to come," he said," Melbourne's general manager of list management Tim Harrington said.

"His professionalism towards his preparation means he has been a really consistent performer for the Melbourne Football Club. Nathan has missed only two games through injury since making his debut in 2006, which is further testament to his preparation and mindset.

"Jeremy is a highly talented player, who has captured the imagination of all Melbourne supporters.

"He has shown his versatility in his first two seasons of AFL, playing a variety of roles for the club. We expect he has plenty of improvement left in him."

Clint Bartram is trying to save his career with a cutting-edge procedure on his knee.

The procedure will initially involve Bartram having fat extracted from his body through liposuction.

Stem cells will then be harvested from that fat and re-inserted into the knee the following day in the hope of regenerating the growth of healthy cartilage tissue.

Melbourne's Liam Jurrah is still two weeks away from returning from an ankle injury in the VFL.

"He has now begun an intensive conditioning program designed to get him back playing when this is completed," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Mark Neeld says Liam Jurrah needs to show commitment on the track and in the VFL now that he is back in Melbourne.

"We just need Liam from a football point of view to come back the other way and show us commitment to his training program and start playing footy again," Neeld said.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson says the league will take no further action on Alastair Clarkson for swearing at a junior footy game.

"The AFL, like Alastair, is very disappointed with this incident and notes that he has apologised and acknowledged the appropriateness of the sanction imposed by the South Metro Junior Football League," Anderson said.

"Taking into account the sanction already imposed by the SMJFL, Alastair's apology and commitment to contribute at community level to the SMJFL, the AFL will not take any further action in this matter."

An Alice Springs magistrate has ordered Melbourne's Liam Jurrah to stand trial on assault charges in what his lawyer, Jon Tippett, says is a case of the "tall-poppy syndrome".

"My client is not guilty. He will be found not guilty," Mr Tippett told reporters.

"He has a good case, but we move now from this jurisdiction into the Supreme Court where a trial will be held."

Jeremy Howe says he regrets smearing blood on an opponent's shorts after pleading guilty to misconduct and receiving a reprimand at the tribunal hearing.

"It was pure frustration, it happened in the heat of the moment,'' Howe said.

"It's an embarrassment to myself, it was out of character and it's an embarrassment to the football club."

Melbourne star Liam Jurrah wasn't holding a machete on the night he was accused of attacking people with one, a court has been told.

Demons star Liam Jurrah was a leader in a fight and struck his cousin on the head with a machete, Alice Springs Magistrates Court has been told.

Melbourne forward Jeremy Howe sent directly to the AFL tribunal over a charge of wiping blood from his knee on Port Adelaide player Tom Jonas's shorts.

Liam Jurrah's court hearing is delayed 45 minutes after no witnesses arrived in court on time.

Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah is said to be 'a bit anxious' ahead of his committal trial hearing in Alice Springs on Monday.

"He's obviously a bit anxious over the whole thing, generally he's in pretty good spirits," Jurrah's mentor and biographer Bruce Hearn Mackinnon said.

"We're just saying, 'We're here for you mate, just be strong and just tell your story and the rest should look after itself'."

Sam Blease is a lively, unique talent who is working hard to become a two-way player, to get fit enough to both attack and, critically, defend when the occasion demands.

"Definitely the endurance side of the game is something I need to improve on, " Blease said.

"I have been a short distance athlete all my life. I have got an OK fitness base at the moment [but I've] just still got so much work to do. That is why I am really looking forward to this pre-season and really having a crack and getting as fit as I can."

Brent Moloney is dropped from the Demons' senior side, a move which Mark Neeld says is related to his form, not his contract status.

"[He's] just not in good nick. We can't ask him to work any harder. [He's] just unable to find as much of the footy as what everyone would like," Neeld said.

"What I could also say is that if he gets back into really good form and plays out the year [at a] great standard, then that is a great timing for players to be in great nick and be out of contract."

Melbourne onballer Aaron Davey will miss the rest of 2012 with a stress fracture in his foot.

"This is disappointing for Aaron as he had been working hard on his fitness after an interrupted pre-season," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.



"Given the timing of the injury, Aaron will recover and start what will be a big pre-season campaign for him, as he prepares for the 2013 season."

Melbourne has locked down three young players with Colin Garland, Jordie McKenzie and Tom McDonald signing new deals.

Demons defender Tom McDonald will be driven home from Brisbane to Melbourne after suffering bleeding on the lung.

Tom McDonald looks set to miss several weeks after suffering what appeared to be a lung injury against Brisbane at the Gabba.

McDonald was seen coughing up blood five minutes into the match after a heavy collision with Lions foward Daniel Merrett.

Due to Mitch Clark's season-ending injury, Mark Neeld is considering playing Jack Watts as a forward, despite Watts' solid form as a defender.

Injured Demons forward Mitch Clark will have surgery on the foot he hurt against GWS.

"After further scans and consulting surgeons yesterday (Tuesday), it was decided that the best course of action was to operate on Mitch's foot to repair the tear,"Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Emerging Melbourne Demons defender Tom McDonald is this week's NAB Rising Star nominee after a strong effort against GWS with 26 possessions, four marks and three tackles.

"He is getting the rewards for having outstanding pre-season. We have exposed him to a number of different types of forwards this year and he is improving each week," Demons coach Mark Neeld said.

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark's year is over after being diagnosed with a 'Lisfranc' injury to the middle part of his foot, sustained during a marking contest in round 13 against GWS.

The injury can result if bones in the midfoot are broken or displaced, or if ligaments supporting the midfoot are torn.

"He's obviously very disappointed about it," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He's had such an influence on the group already this year and had just started the second part of the year with a good win and was very keen to continue that along and play against his old club so that is extremely frustrating for him.

"The club will now investigate the best course of action to repair and rehabilitate Mitch's injury. We want to ensure he has a smooth return to football in 2013."

Melbourne utility Rohan Bail is yet to be cleared by doctors following a concussion in round nine.

"Our club is being diligent in this area and we are not prepared to play him until those changes have improved," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"It's frustrating for the club and for Rohan. Physically he feels good. He trained all last week. It has just been a frustrating delayed recovery to concussion."

Jack Watts admits he is working harder off the field than ever before - and the results are plain to see.

"Each year you learn certain things and come to the realisation you have to take it up another level," Watts said.

"I'm doing that now and I'm sure next year I'll be taking another step forward."

A degenerative knee injury will force Melbourne's Clint Bartram off the field for the rest of the season.

""Clint has been managing a degenerative knee for the past four seasons. This year, Clint's injury has deteriorated further and has become increasingly difficult to manage," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"His diligence and attention to detail in his preparation and recovery has allowed him to manage the injury and continue to play throughout that time.

"However, following the round eight game against Sydney, Clint's knee could no longer handle any training loads and therefore was unavailable to play."

Melbourne's Brad Green has been ruled out for two games after suffering a minor strain in his hip flexor, casting more doubt on his AFL career.

Former Richmond captain Dale Weightman, a diabetic himself, says he would be happy to talk to Demon Jack Fitzpatrick about his diabetes diagnosis.

"The main thing he has to do is get organised with a routine where he is able to train and play. He'll have to have a bit of different treatment to the other players because it's important he has the fuel in his system," Weightman said.

"It won't upset his training, as long as they all know what's going on. It's really all about preparation, before and after the game. You've really got to make sure you're eating the right food and doing the right thing to get through a game."

Melbourne forward Jack Fitzpatrick has been diagnosed with type one diabetes, the club has revealed.

"This diagnosis affects Jack in all aspects of his life," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"However, the positive out of this situation is that Jack's symptoms were diagnosed early.

 Jack is aware of current and past players who have successfully managed diabetes throughout their careers, and has a positive attitude towards the future."

Ruckman Mark Jamar signs a new deal with Melbourne that will keep him at the club until 2015.

"[It was] not difficult in the end. [The] club put faith in me and I would like to repay them," he said.

"I am putting a lot of faith and confidence in the club so whether or not I am here for the success down the track I am going to do everything I can from this point on to create a good culture and help the boys around the place keep that."

Free agent Brent Moloney says he wants to remain with Melbourne for the rest of his career despite the lure of free agency.

"Free agency is here and it's the first year of it, so I'm not really too aware of what's going to happen, but I want to stay at the footy club," he said.

"I want to finish my career here, and that's all I'm focusing on. I love the place. It was always a dream to run out on the MCG in the red and blue, and I get to do that every second week.

Mark Neeld says there is plenty to like about the way Jack Trengove is playing despite his co-captain having a slow start to the season.

"Jack sits number five for disposals - he can certainly increase that - he sits second in the club for tackles, he leads our one percent count, and he is also second on our GPS rating so that stuff says he is working particularly hard," Neeld said.

Melbourne's Jared Rivers has again scoffed at suggestions the players have an issue with new coach Mark Neeld.

"I personally think it is pretty poor journalism. The story has been around eight or nine weeks now and it is just a non-story," Rivers said.

"We are all supportive of Mark (Neeld) and the playing group and the leadership group. We've moved on and we're just trying to help each other out and move this club forward and take it up where it needs to be…could be time for a new story I reckon."

Helping launch an alcohol awareness campaign, Alastair Clarkson has spoken of his anguish at the death of his brother in a drink-driving accident 28 years ago.

"In that era, it was a time where your gender was actually questioned if you couldn't be tough enough to drive home after you've had a few drinks," he said.

"Even if you questioned a mate about driving home, then you weren't a genuine mate because (of the suggestion) he wasn't tough enough either. That was just the culture of the '70s and '80s,"

Former Melbourne skipper Brad Green has returned to training after being cleared of major lung damage following a severe collision against Carlton.

"We sent him off to hospital because he was coughing up some blood," Melbourne's elite performance manager David Misson said.

"All the tests were pretty clear. It's a complicated diagnosis. But essentially he just got a really strong knock to the sternum. We're thinking it's just a burst blood vessel in the oesophagus.

"He's had a run today and he's felt pretty good but we're going to be pretty cautious."

Jared Rivers says he, as a senior player, is focused on helping to fast-track the Demons' talented youngsters during a difficult season.

"It's definitely been tough but we've got to get that positive mindset," Rivers said.

"I'm one of the older guys and if I am looking flat and down around the young group it's definitely going to show them that I am not giving 100 per cent so [I] definitely try to keep my body language upbeat and my mindset [positive]."

Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones says the new structure implemented by Mark Neeld has not become instinctive to the players yet.

"The structure is reasonably simple in terms of what the coaches are trying to implement. It's a shift in how we want to play. It's learning it and then it's [about] becoming so instinctive and ingrained that it just happens," Jones said.

"You get to the right position and it unfolds that you play footy from there."