MELBOURNE best and fairest winner Jack Viney has resumed full training for the first time this pre-season following hip surgery.

The gun midfielder underwent an operation on his hip after the Demons' final game of 2016.

Despite experiencing hip pain throughout last season, Viney averaged 26 disposals and six clearances a match.

Melbourne players returned to the track for their first 2017 session on Thursday.

Defender Tom McDonald and utility Cam Pedersen both had post-season shoulder surgery, but were able to train with the main group for most of the session.

The pair broke away from their teammates briefly, testing out their shoulders on the tackling bag before rejoining the group.

Star forward Jesse Hogan was the most notable absentee from Thursday's session.

The 21-year-old is still in Perth, with the club giving him and teammate Dean Kent an extended break with family.

The pair is expected to return to the club on Monday next week.

Melbourne's list is relatively healthy, with just six players in the rehab group, including Jay Kennedy-Harris, Alex Neal-Bullen and Mitch King.

The Demons also took part in match simulation during the two-hour session in the Melbourne heat.

Ex-Hawk Jordan Lewis looks to be in great physical condition, while young midfielder Clayton Oliver appears to be a little behind the eight-ball in fitness. 

Oliver was often among the last in the running drills, and struggled to keep up with the intensity at which his teammates trained.

He did, however, appear to have slimmed down after returning in November last year out of condition.

Veteran Colin Garland left the track with a sore right foot and received some treatment.

He didn't return to the match simulation, but it does not appear to be a serious issue