MELBOURNE’S pre-Christmas training camp to the Northern Territory is already starting to pay off in several areas, according to midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The hard working Demon said the players had come back from Darwin and their post-Christmas break in impressive condition, and had already showed the rewards from bonding on the nine day camp.

“I reckon it was definitely a positive trip in a few different ways. We got a lot of fitness gains out of it in tough conditions, and we really pushed ourselves to the limit, so it helped out fitness base and mental strength,” McKenzie told melbournefc.com.au.

“The camaraderie amongst the boys also went to another level, so it gave us a great opportunity to bond with the first year boys and the guys who have come from other clubs as well.

“We got to know them a lot better than if we’d just had a normal week back at AAMI Park, so we got a lot out of it. We’re already seeing the benefits, and it’s important we continue to utilise them going forward.”

From a personal perspective, McKenzie said he had noticed an improvement in his fitness base since returning in January.  

“It might be part of the natural progression of our tough pre-season, or because it was kicked along a bit because of Darwin. It’s probably hard to put your finger on it at the moment, but we definitely did improve up there,” he said.  

“Since coming back, I’ve really noticed that it’s a fair bit easier to get your breath back and build up your efforts when I’ve been running.

“I do reckon it’s definitely helped … and my gut feeling is that the majority of boys will definitely improve. I dare say part of that is from the hard work we did in Darwin.”

When reflecting on Melbourne’s pre-season campaign, McKenzie said it had been incredibly positive to date.

“All of the boys have come back in really good shape from the off season and the Christmas break,” he said.

“Everyone has come to training willing to attack everything that’s been given, so the attitude has been a real highlight.

“We’re definitely making some good progress, so it’s important over this next month that we continue to develop and, when the games come around, we’re ready to go.”