LEADER Daniel Cross says the players have relished the opportunity to spend time in Gippsland during its two-day community camp.

Speaking to Dee TV, Cross said it was a great opportunity to mix with the local communities and bring a smile to plenty of school-aged children.

“It’s always good to get out to the country communities,” he said.

“They really make the most of it when sides get out and share their time with them and the kids are always enthusiastic and that’s what you want when you get amongst it.”

The veteran midfielder said he couldn’t wait for the games to start, which is now less than a month away, when Melbourne takes on Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on March 5.

“Every player would say the same thing – sides have been training since late October or early November and we’re really looking forward to putting into practice what we’ve been learning over the pre-season,” he said.

“I can’t wait for those games to start.

“Hopefully things that we’ve been practicing come out well in our games early on and it’s a good season ahead.”