CHRISTIAN Salem says the squad can’t wait to take on Friday’s training session, which promises to be Melbourne’s toughest session yet of its Maroochydore pre-season camp.

Salem said the players weren’t fully aware of what’s in store for Friday’s session, but they were ready for it.

“It’ll be more ball movement and transition stuff – I’m assuming,” he told Dee TV.

“It won’t be too worrying for the boys, because we all want to get out there and play as close as we can to a match. We’ll have a lot of match simulation, we’re hoping and we hope it’ll be tough.

“We want to get match fitness, because games are just around the corner.”

Salem said the camp had been building towards this session.

“It’s been good. We’re getting some good weather now. The first few days have been a bit wet, but we did our third session today (Wednesday) and we’re all getting ready for Friday, so that’s going to be a pretty tough session,” he said.

“[On Wednesday] it was pretty laid back compared to the last few sessions, but the main thing out of it was craft with the mids, defenders and forwards. We also did individual stuff.

“It was lower intensity compared to the last few sessions, purely to get us up for Friday. The boys had a fair dig and they’re raring to go.”

Salem said his pre-season overall had been OK.

“I got through most of the sessions pre-Christmas, but I had a little hiccup with my groin just before Christmas and just before the break – that’s the only thing,” he said.

“After that, I’ve been good and I haven’t really missed a session and the body is feeling good. I’m trying to get my speed back, which is one of my big things, and I’m trying to be consistent.

“Last year was a bit on and off with my hammy, so I’m feeling good at the moment and I’m ready to go.”