MELBOURNE'S Cale Morton says players were surprised by Brock McLean's decision to leave the club during last week's exchange period.

Morton, who is seen as one of Melbourne's most integral players in the next decade, said McLean's decision to be traded to Carlton for pick 11 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft was frustrating.

"It was disappointing to lose Brock, a leader of the footy club," Morton told afl.com.au. "When he's playing his best footy, he's a good player and he'll be missed.

Morton said this time of the year was always a particularly tough time, watching players leave the club, but there was also the excitement of the upcoming draft to balance out any player movements.

"You don't want to wish it upon anyone that they are delisted or forced into retirement, but at the same time it's exciting to have picks one, two, 11 and 18 – four picks in the first round of the draft, which is quite rare.

"We're genuinely excited and we know that having those early picks is going to benefit the footy club.

"The draft is always an exciting time and every player on our list follows it closely to see what's happening."

Melbourne had its first pre-season training session on Monday – just 16 days after Geelong won the 2009 premiership.

The early start to training was a concept coach Dean Bailey instituted last year and Morton said the players were genuinely enthusiastic about starting again.

"We did quite a light session," he said. "First, we were outside doing a bit a bit of speed work and some development skills and then we went inside and did a weights and stretching session.

"It was pretty surreal [to be back training]. I was watching the grand final less than three weeks ago at Phi Phi Island in Thailand!"

The Western Australian, who highlighted Bailey and assistant Scott West as strong mentors, said his pre-season aim was to add weight and strength to his 192cm frame.

"Down the track, I can see myself playing half-forward or half-back and perhaps not so much on the wing. I might end up playing on the bigger body type players, if I play centre half-forward or centre half-back," Morton said.

"I want to have a real hard crack at pre-season this year and become a more rounded player."