AS THE AFLW season fast approaches, the Demons headed to Bright for a weekend of team bonding and challenges.

On Saturday, the group started with a team hike up Mount Buffalo, with the side split into smaller groups to take on mini challenges as they made their way up the mountain.  

Demon Eden Zanker said the activity was a difficult but rewarding experience. 

"It was super challenging, but I think that just makes us more resilient," Zanker told Melbourne Media. 

"It was great to get around the girls, and push each other up Mount Buffalo. 

"We all did it and we all felt better after it."

The rest of the weekend was filled with visiting local areas, where the players, coaches and staff had the opportunity to further develop their relationships. 

"Daisy is a local, so she's taken us to a couple of nice waterholes," Zanker said. 

"We also went out for dinner, spent time with everyone and got to know each other a bit better. 

"It's created a bit more of a connection between the group and the staff." 

While the focus wasn't purely on footy, Sunday saw the group sit down to discuss the upcoming season and what the side's focus is heading into 2022. 

"We had a bit of a wrap on what we want to achieve this season as a group and how we want to base our footy come Round 1," Zanker said. 

"There was a little bit of footy talk, but I feel like this was a weekend to come out here, challenge ourselves and get to know each other better."

You can check out all the action from the weekend below.