DOM Tyson says he’s ready to go after recently missing Melbourne’s opening JLT Community Series win over North Melbourne in Hobart, due to calf injury.
The midfielder said he was itching to return for the red and blue’s second and final JLT match against St Kilda at Casey Fields on Thursday night.
“I’m good to go. I’m excited for my first hit-out of the season,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’ve been able to complete all of the pre-season, aside from this hiccup just before the first JLT game. But I was back running after a week or two, so I’m excited, healthy and ready to go.
“I’ve had training continuity and I feel like I’ve got enough miles in my legs, and I feel like I’m running well.”
Although this will be Tyson’s first run of the season – he didn’t play in Melbourne’s victorious AFLX campaign either – he said he could have a run in a VFL practice match for Casey, in between the upcoming JLT game and round one against Geelong at the MCG on March 25.
“I’ll have that discussion with the coaches. I might need to play for Casey in a practice match to put my hand up for round one,” he said.
“There are a lot of players in form at the moment and I can’t – and no-one can – afford to take the foot off the pedal.
“Although we felt we implemented a good game plan against North Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, we need to back that up against St Kilda. But there is also a couple of weeks before round one, so if we need to make any adjustments, we’ll have some time.”
Still, Tyson felt two pre-season matches were sufficient, before the season proper.
“I feel like two pre-season games is definitely enough for me,” he said.
“We also have three or four more main sessions after our final JLT game and before round one, and a couple of VFL practice matches, if needed, so that’s more than enough.”
The classy ball-winner said selecting Melbourne’s best 22 was also a difficult proposition.
“It’s a really good problem to have – and I’m sure there will be some lengthy match committee meetings coming up,” he said.
“Everyone is trying to put their best foot forward and training has progressed really well over the summer.
“The fitness and medical staff have done a great job with the players, so we’re building strongly for round one.”
In looking ahead to 2018, Tyson said he was “definitely optimistic” about the possibilities.
“We’ve certainly improved this pre-season, but I’m sure all 18 teams are saying that at this time of the year. But we’re definitely looking forward to the year ahead – that's for sure,” he said.
