MELBOURNE players received a boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with Geelong, with ill chairman Jim Stynes making an appearance at training on Friday morning.

Stynes, who is battling cancer, had surgery earlier this month to remove part of a lung.

The former Demons champ is set to leave on a short holiday with his family to continue his recovery but said he was confident of beating the disease.

“I believe I can [beat it],” Stynes said. “The people that matter ... the specialists, believe I can,” Stynes said.

“It doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing the whole way, I might have a few setbacks along the way, but even if I do I’m kind of prepared for that.

“I understand that that’s the nature of it.”

Stynes said watching Melbourne’s recent wins, although not relaxing, had lifted his spirits.

“It’s not easy [watching] but when you are winning it is a lot easier,” Stynes said.