JAKE Melksham says the team is champing at the bit to get into Saturday night’s clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.  

Melksham, who is set to play his 150^th AFL game against the Cats, said it was a huge game in the context of Melbourne’s season.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be quite hostile down here and similar to the Port Adelaide game over there,” he told Melbourne Media.

“It’ll be a really hard, contested, tough game tonight, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“The boys are up and about. We’ve been excited all week for this game. Geelong got the wood on us last year by three points and we feel we didn’t play at our best that day either, so we’re really excited by the challenge that lies ahead of us.”

Melksham said the lead-up had been a “little bit different” – as he prepares to play his first AFL match at Geelong.

“Coming down to Geelong, with the hour drive – it’s not what I’m used to,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to the game. I came down with the family just before, so everyone’s excited.

“It’s been a pretty normal week. Everything else, except a few of the boys getting around me and a few family and friends getting text messages out today. I’m looking forward to getting into it now.”

Melksham said he received a host of well wishes in the lead-up to his milestone.

“It seems like I only started a few years ago, but I’ve looked at it and thought ‘I’ve been around here for a little while now’,” he said.

“I’m quite humbled by the messages from everyone and I appreciate the support.”