MELBOURNE took to Gosch’s Paddock on Tuesday morning to work on some key areas of its game ahead of Round 9.

But with just a six-day turn around before the trip to Perth, classy Demon Christian Salem says his side didn’t expend too much energy on the track.

“We still got some work in, but it was more about a short session – a bit of intensity before the flight up,” Salem told Melbourne Media.

After a scrappy clash with Gold Coast on Saturday night, the Demons are continuing to look at improving their forward connection.

The Dees managed just nine goals at Metricon Stadium and will need to be more efficient when kicking inside 50 against the Eagles.

“It’s a process I guess – we’ve been working on it for the last few weeks,” he said.

“But training as normal, a few inside 50 kicks and a few kicking drills just to really nut it out.”

Friday night’s schedule has received some hype in the media as the Demons are set to return to Optus Stadium for the first time since last year’s Preliminary Final loss.

But Salem says that game is of no relevance this time around.

“It hasn’t been spoken about once,” he said.

“For us it’s another challenge – a few boys are out.

“It’s a good opportunity for some boys to come in that are in good VFL form so whoever we take over we’re going to be very confident.”

The trip to the West is set to be a big challenge for the group as it will be the second consecutive game on the road, but Salem is more than ready for another interstate match.

“[The body is feeling] pretty good to be honest,” he said.

“We travel pretty well. A young group of guys getting away is always good.”

Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd won’t be on the flight with the group after being ruled out with injury, but Jordan Lewis was out on the track on Tuesday and will be given every chance to take on the Eagles.

In more positive news, Jake Lever and Mitch Hannan were both in full training after respective knee injuries, with Lever expected to make his ACL comeback in the VFL this Saturday.