THIS WEEK, Melbourne completed its first Community Camp in nearly three years, with the club and its players relishing in the opportunity to reconnect with schools and fans of the Seymour area.

The Demons headed off to local schools across Seymour, Broadford, Nagambie, Tallarook and Euroa on Monday with students given the chance to ask the players hard-hitting questions in a Q&A panel. 

Later that afternoon, the team travelled to Chittick Park where, alongside AFL Victoria, they participated in a football clinic where a range of keen footballers, from Auskick to U18's, shared skills with the AFL side. 

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Tuesday morning then saw the Demons enjoy an open training session at the Yea Football and Netball Club with Dees fans from the area flocking to see the AFL action up close.

A number of schools also made the visit out to the ground, taking a short break from class to get involved in the community camp.

Following the session, players got the opportunity to meet supporters, including special long-time Dees fans, some of which have been club members for more than 75 consecutive years.

Young defender Harrison Petty said the group was grateful to get back to grassroots football and give back.

“We always love getting out and seeing the happy faces of all the kids who probably haven’t seen AFL players in a long time,” Petty told Melbourne Media.

As someone who hails from a small town in South Australia, Petty was particularly aware of just how important these visits were for the local communities.

“I still remember when I was in year five and we had a couple Port Adelaide boys come out, so I know that it’s a pretty special day for the kids involved,” Petty said.

“I try to engage as much as I can when I’m here because I know how much it means to them.”