MELBOURNE will look to bolster an already solid midfield with a plethora of fresh faces expecting time through the middle of the ground.  

Joining media on Monday, star utility Christian Petracca praised some of the Demons’ best, with more midfield opportunities available for 2023. 

“It's good that we're able to add guys like Kozzy (Pickett), Tom Sparrow, James Harmes and Alex Neal-Bullen in the middle,” Petracca said.  

“The footy club has depth and a culture when you know if I'm gone and other players around me are gone, that those guys step up and they're the ones to lead this footy club.” 

Petracca highlighted the spark that Sparrow and Pickett had brought to the 2023 pre-season, with excitement building ahead of Round 1.  

The duo have made an early impression among the group this year, with strong performances in Melbourne's practice match against Richmond.

Sparrow hit the scoreboard and recorded 18 disposals, while Pickett used his speed through the middle, registering 14 disposals and six tackles.   

“Sparrow is one of my favourites, he's someone that just does so much work behind the game,” added Petracca. 

“But away from the game and even on the field [he] does stuff that not many people will get the credit for in the media. 

“He's someone that I love playing with and he's just a team player and plays his role. 

“Kozzy has been amazing, he's such a freak of nature and such a talent. 

“He’s such an x-factor in there...he's got so much explosion and power, which is what we love about him.”

Star midfielder Clayton Oliver has once again proved he has the ability to reach greater levels of talent, pushing himself to new heights this pre-season and impressing those within the club. 

During the hit-out against the Tigers, Oliver racked up a standard 31 disposals, nine clearances and 634 metres gained.

Petracca pumped up his teammate's past few months of work, relaying the level of professionalism brought in by the Demons’ No.13.  

“He looks really powerful and strong, he looks quicker than usual, which is awesome,” added Petracca.  

“I think he's been working hard on his body [and] he's someone that's so diligent, one of the most professional guys that has been around. 

“He just loves footy and me being his teammate and one of his closest mates away from the game, I think pushes me to become better.”  

Petracca said the midfield crew was primed for a big season, thanks to the amazing preparation work of the high-performance staff. 

With several solid hit-outs and months of gruelling training sessions, the playing group has been filled with confidence ahead of Round 1. 

“For me, we had a great pre-season, we've worked really hard,” said Petracca.

“But the high-performance staff no doubt, I’ve got full trust in them. 

“No.1 priority is our recovery and trying to get the best out of myself each game. 

“I feel like our training is actually harder than a game. So, for us, if you can get through training, you know you can get through a game.” 

With only four days until Melbourne's season-opener, all eyes will be on the Dees as they prepare to take on the Bulldogs Saturday night at the 'G.