Co-captain Nathan Jones has had an interrupted build up this pre-season with a calf niggle prior to Christmas taking him out of main training for a few weeks.

The calf complaint was only minor and he returned to full training in December.

However, the midfielder was placed back in rehab after some back spasms that flared in recent weeks.

Reassuringly for Demons fans, Jones told AFL.com.au earlier this week that he would be back in full training for the start of the club's pre-season training camp to Maroochydore on Monday. 

Jordan Lewis, 31,has been training with the defenders this pre-season after the Demons identified that his leadership and experience could be utilised in a young backline.

Lewis, who finished equal-third in last year's best and fairest, has managed himself smartly over the pre-season and still looks classy in match simulation, as does Bernie Vince who has also been training as a defender.

Vince appears to be in good nick and his skills in match practice have been top notch.

With plenty of depth across the half-back line, it will be interesting to see how the Demons use Vince, 32, the oldest player on their list, this season. – Ben Guthrie