ASSISTANT coach Troy Chaplin says Melbourne is ready to start its JLT Community Series.

Speaking shortly before Saturday’s match against North Melbourne at Kingston Twins Oval in Tasmania, Chaplin said the players were eager to start their 2018 campaign. 

“It seems like pre-season’s gone forever, but we get an opportunity to put into practice what we’ve been practicing over the pre-season,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“The boys are pretty keen and eager to finally play against an opposition instead of themselves.

“It’s going to be great that footy’s back, although unfortunately conditions are a little bit wet down here.”

Chaplin said there would be mistakes made in the team's first hit-out, regardless of the weather.

“It’s going to pose challenges for the boys, but they’ll work through them,” he said. 

“They’ve got plenty of experience in these conditions, so it’s just good that’s footy back.

“It’s good for our supporters to look forward to.”

Chaplin said new Melbourne players Jake Lever and Bayley Fritsch would play against the Roos.

“It’s exciting for them and it’s exciting for the coaching staff as well because we get to see what improvement they’ve made over the summer,” he said. 

“There is that air of excitement, so we’re looking forward to it.”