MELBOURNE'S Jack Viney and Tom McDonald engaged in a push and shove and an exchange of words in a spirited training session at Gosch's Paddock on Tuesday.
The session, which included an hour of match simulation, ran at a high intensity and the players were charged up throughout, emphasised by the incident between Viney and McDonald.
McDonald took umbrage at Viney's dumping tackle during an earlier drill and the pair had to be separated after things became heated.
The session continued without further incident but it showed the eagerness of the players to get into the season proper.
Ruckman Max Gawn looks well placed to build on his breakout 2015 campaign, continuing his fine pre-season with a standout display in the match simulation.
The 24-year-old was a constant presence during the hour-long scratch match, with his ability to get from contest to contest particularly noteworthy.
Gawn's endurance appears to have gone to a new level this pre-season and it showed out in his battle with Jake Spencer.
Gawn worked forward and hauled in a couple of big pack marks inside 50, but equally impressive was how he ran back to support the defence.
He has been working hard on his craft with ruck coach Greg Stafford and looms as a vital player in Melbourne's setup this season.
Midfielder Jack Viney was also prolific through the midfield, winning the hard ball as well as using the ball smartly.
Angus Brayshaw won plenty of the footy and third-year youngster Jayden Hunt, who is finally injury-free, displayed his breakaway speed on a number of occasions.
Lynden Dunn was often the linkman from defence, while Sam Frost trained as the club's second tall forward option alongside Jesse Hogan.
In a positive sign for Demons fans, Jack Trengove joined the main group for non-contact training earlier in the morning as he continues his comeback from a long-term foot injury.
Melbourne is hopeful the former co-captain can return to full training next week.
Senior assistant coach Simon Goodwin was especially vocal throughout as the session focused on defending repeat inside 50s.
Draftee Clayton Oliver and small defender Christian Salem ran laps around Gosch's Paddock, while reigning best and fairest winner Bernie Vince was absent.
Jack Viney and Tom McDonald getting up close and personal. Picture: Getty Images
It was all smiles for young guns Christian Petracca and Jesse Hogan. Picture: Getty Images
Angus Brayshaw tackles Aaron vandenBerg. Picture: Getty Images
Jack Trengove continues to make good progress in his recovery. Picture: Getty Images
