MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin has tipped club champions Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver to return to their damaging best after interrupted 2024 seasons.

Two-time club best and fairest winner Petracca spent his off-season at the Red Bull Training Camp in Austria, pushing his body to the limits as he targeted a return to peak physical condition.

Despite missing the final 10 games of his last campaign with a lacerated spleen, track watchers have been quick to note the midfield bull’s outstanding conditioning.

“I've been blown away by how Christian's come back from a physical capacity,” Goodwin said.

“He's really connecting with his teammates and driving really high-quality training sessions.”

Fellow key midfield cog Clayton Oliver is also looking to recapture his trademark rampaging, contested, football best.

Oliver played 21 games in 2024 after an interrupted pre-season, battling through injury before his year was ended by rib fractures and a low-grade PCL strain.

Averaging just over 23 disposals per game, it was the first time since 2020 that the midfield magnet had averaged under 30 touches a game and the lowest mark since his debut season.

“He just wants to work incredibly hard to get back to his best,” Goodwin said.

“He knows that he wasn't at his best last year.”

Goodwin possesses a strong bond with both Petracca and Oliver and is thrilled with how they’re approaching their respective returns.

“I've known them since they were drafted at the footy club and seen their journey the whole way through,” Goodwin said.

“Obviously, there's been challenges with both players for various reasons, but to see the way that they've come back to pre-season, to see the energy that they've got for their footy club (has been great).

“It’s just great to see both of them again smiling, enjoying their footy, being a part of a team and being great teammates.

“We’re loving seeing how they’re going about their business.”