THERE’S no better way to cap off the working week than a three-and-a-half-hour session on the track.

The Demons hit Casey Fields on Friday morning, competing in various drills, match simulation and running as part of their AFL pre-season preparation.

Key forward Ben Brown reflected on the intense hit-out, as well as the first training block of 2022.

“It’s great to get a bit of match play,” he told Melbourne Media.

“It’s been a big couple of weeks, but we’ve got heaps out of it.

“I think everyone’s been training really well. That’s what we really wanted to do this pre-season.

There’s been no slowing down for the Demons since returning from their Christmas break, with each session as important as the next.

For Brown, consistency on the track has been a key focus, having had an interrupted pre-season last year due to knee surgery.

And with only 40 days until Round 1, the 29-year-old is raring to go.

“It’s been great,” Brown said.

“It’s one of the first times I’ve got through a pre-season without either an off-season surgery or a surgery at some point during the pre-season, so to be running around for a long period of time – I feel fitter than I’ve been, I feel stronger than I’ve been.

“Touchwood, nothing’s happened yet, so we will keep going, but I’ve been really enjoying running around with the guys.”

Alongside working on his own game, Brown has been helping out Melbourne’s AFLW side in a specialist coaching role.

Assisting the talls and the rucks, he has relished the opportunity to be involved – and is encouraging others to do the same.

“I love being around the women’s program,” Brown said.

“They’re really driven. They’re three (wins) and one (loss) so far to start the season.

“It was great to see pretty much all of my teammates get on board as members this season too. If anyone’s not a member yet, get on board. We want to be the No.1 membership side.

“Let’s get them to a flag.”

Melbourne’s AFL campaign will kick off with a Grand Final rematch on March 16, while the AFLW season continues at Casey Fields on Saturday night, with a clash against Gold Coast.