AFTER a big pre-season on the track, a number of Melbourne players decided to change things up and have a bonding experience in the water.

Taking to Melbourne Surf Park, URBNSURF, the Demons had the chance to have some fun and work on a different craft.

And James Harmes, the instigator of this session, was all smiles in the aftermath.

“We got about 10 boys out in the water – it was unreal,” Harmes told Melbourne Media.

“Hunty probably took the chocolates – surfing really well, throwing some big buckets.

“It was good fun.”

While not all of the boys were professional surfers, with Tom McDonald, Kysaiah Pickett, Luke Jackson and Deakyn Smith whipping out the flippers, the waves didn’t go to waste.

“We had a few boys on the boogie boards,” Harmes said.

“A lot of boys took up surfing when we went up to Maroochydore during the season when we had the hub up there.

“It was all good fun – everyone out there was enjoying themselves and everyone got a few waves.”

One of the main positives to come from the surf was the fresh faces in attendance, providing a great opportunity for the group to build on their relationships.

“It’s really important,” Harmes said.

“I think we had four or five young boys, maybe two or three of them were first-year boys.

“A couple of them were from Perth. They came out here and had great fun and it’s great to get to know them a little bit more and spend some quality time together.”

With just 12 days to go until Melbourne’s season opener at the MCG, Harmes has now turned his attention to the club’s Grand Final rematch.

“Everyone’s really excited,” he said.

“Obviously this time of the year most teams would be, but we can’t wait to get out to face the Bulldogs in a few weeks’ time.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been at the ’G and had a big crowd there, so hopefully we can get that 90,000, unveil the flag and come away with a win.”

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