MELBOURNE defender Jared Rivers has thrown a scare through the red and blue camp after rolling his left ankle during the first quarter of Saturday's intra-club clash at Casey Fields.

It was a disappointing return for the defender who had not played since round 11 last year. But coach Dean Bailey said the 2004 NAB AFL Rising Star winner had not seriously injured his ankle. 

"He just twisted his ankle, so he'll be OK. He'll be fine with some ice in the next 24 hours. In Jared's words it was ‘bleep, bleep, bleep ankle’ … He was really looking forward to playing today," he said after the match.

"He's worked incredibly hard over the last six months. Today if he was able to get through the game, he would've got some confidence from it.

"It was really disappointing, he was able to only play five or seven minutes, but it's five or seven minutes that he didn't have last year, so we're progressing with him."

Bailey was otherwise pleased with the hit-out, which saw MFC White 12.8 (80) defeat MFC Red 11.6 (72).

"The players were really keen to play. From that, I thought we kicked the ball OK and both teams were able to field a lot of players," he said.

Bailey has been particularly impressed with the pre-season efforts of Austin Wonaeamirri, James Frawley and Clint Bartram and it showed during the match, with the trio impressing.

Wonaeamirri's body shape was noticeably different. He now sports a leaner and stronger figure. Frawley marked with courage. backing into oncoming traffic; ad Bartram has baulked up. 

Second-year rookies Jake Spencer and Trent Zomer also showed some good signs.

Spencer, who stands at over 200cm, looked imposing in the ruck at times, while fellow tall Zomer impressed on the ball and up forward where he kicked three goals.

Brad Miller worked hard in a key forward post. He spent time deep and pushed further up the ground, ending the day with three goals.

Down back, Col Garland continued to show why he is one of Melbourne's brightest prospects, with a fine display. 

Of the new recruits, Neville Jetta was particularly impressive. The indigenous youngster was lively up forward, kicking two goals in the first half, including a check-side gem at the beginning of the second term.

"Neville was exciting and Jamie Bennell was too,” said Bailey.

“James Strauss had some nice possessions and Rohan Bail also showed some good decision-making”.
 
Two of Melbourne young-gun recruits – Jack Watts and Sam Blease – didn't play due to a lack of preparation, but did some work as runners.

Liam Jurrah, Daniel Hughes and Jordie McKenzie were other absentees, while Russell Robertson (achilles), Paul Wheatley (calf) and Mark Jamar (foot) and Addam Maric (hip) were sidelined through injury.

Aaron Davey was missing after featuring in last week's All-Stars match against Adelaide.

A crowd in the vicinity of 2,500 watched the game, clearly pleasing Bailey.

"It was great to get the crowd out here. There are a lot of people coming … down to watch us train, which is brilliant.

“The more we connect with the community, the more we actually get involved with the local community," he said.

"I think the fact that we hung around for another half-an-hour to sign some autographs and have some photos with people … was a good finish to a good practice match."