CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says Tuesday’s training session at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex was “right up” among Melbourne’s toughest this pre-season.
Training went for about four hours, with the session broken up into skills and running drills, but Jones said the length of it was “the reason why we’re up here”.
“It really tested the group out and it gets the group together. We [want to] build some strong relationships and nail our game plan,” he told Dee TV.
“We had a pretty big session yesterday (Monday) as well, [after we just got] off the plane. It’s about the boys being able to back up and continue that resilience and character to consistently perform under any conditions.
“We’re finding that here – it’s pretty testing and warm and wet at times, but the boys are really enjoying it. It’s a great opportunity for us to get away and get together.”
Jones said breaks in between drills were longer than usual, due to the sticky and hot conditions, but he added that backing sessions up day-by-day was a priority for the Demons.
The three-time Melbourne best and fairest winner said the training in the climate was akin to the club’s Darwin pre-season camp, back in December 2012.
“It’s a little bit cooler here … so it’s not as hot,” he said.
“I’m actually really enjoying it because it’s right next to the surf and when we’re not training, I’ll get down there for a bit of a swim.
“It’s a beautiful place.”
At the moment Jones is Melbourne’s sole captain, after Jack Grimes stepped down late last year. But a decision will be made in the near future about whether Jones is the only Melbourne skipper for 2015 or whether another player will join him as co-captain. Either way, Jones said he was relishing the role.
“Last year, having ‘Frank’ Grimes with me – we could share the load a little bit more, but at the same time, the guys who are in the current leadership group have been terrific,” he said.
“I find that we work really well together as a group, and we try and share the load and share responsibility, and make sure we all pull our weight.
“For me, I’ve got that tag, but I’ve got six guys behind me who are really pushing the same messages and same direction in terms of where we want to head as a team.”
