MELBOURNE women’s coach Mick Stinear says he’s delighted how quickly his squad has adapted to the demands of the AFL Women’s training.

Stinear, who is also assisting with the development of the men’s team, said the women had formed a close connection already and was driving each other at every training session.

“We’re really happy with how we’re tracking. We threw them in the deep end in the first week and gave them a taste of our game style and how we want to play,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I think it shocked a couple of players – the intensity and level required, but [I’m] really impressed with their level to step-up and absorb all of the work thrown at them, and do it with a smile on their face.

“We’re really impressed with the quality of player and character we’ve got in the group – they’ve really gelled well and come together quickly, which is really important.”

The women’s squad has been training for three sessions a week and will train up until December 20, before returning on January 5. An overnight camp is also planned later in the month for the squad.

What has stood out to Stinear so far among the women’s squad is that they are “coachable” and “willing to put themselves out there”.

“They’re picking up concepts really quickly – around our game style and how we want to play. They’ve got open minds,” he said.

“They’re asking a lot of questions and there have been a lot of catch-ups around watching vision and the players getting up to speed.

“It’s a dangerous prospect when you’ve got such raw talent that’s eager to learn.”

Stinear said his coaching ability had “skyrocketed” since joining Melbourne.

He added that working with likes of Simon Goodwin, Brendan McCartney and a host of experienced and emerging coaches at Melbourne had already fast-tracked his knowledge.

“To be involved in the men’s program with the quality of coaches we’ve got – I get to see best practice on a daily basis and then put it into practice with the women’s team on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good off-field staff that’s all in it for the same reasons – to develop the players and to develop themselves and provide the best environment as possible.

“We’re hoping it will lead to sustained success, because there is some exciting talent coming through and we’re all enjoying it.’  

In terms of the women’s team’s prospects for 2017, Stinear was optimistic about what his side could deliver. 

“I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised how far the group has come by round one. We’ll certainly be a team that hits the ground round one and will get better and better with each game,” he said.

“Kicking has been a primary focus for us – we want to be a skillful side and not turn the footy over when it’s in our possession.

“In terms of game style, there has been a lot of game simulation, reflecting match days. It might be working in tight or transferring the ball from one end of the ground to the other.”