THE AFL Players' Association has sought clarification from Melbourne about a series of training sessions designed to have the players up to speed by the time pre-season rolls around.
Before sending their players away for the off-season, Melbourne coach Paul Roos and other Demons officials were clear about the need to return in fine shape and ready to train from day one.
Up to 20 players, mainly in their first to fourth years, have begun training two weeks early in a bid to get a jump on the competition.
Despite some initial apprehension, the AFLPA is content with the club's arrangements after discussions with Roos and football manager Josh Mahoney.
The discussions centred around whether the training sessions were voluntary or forced, with some Demons players registering their confusion with the AFLPA.
But the AFLPA is confident the players have not been pressured to begin training early and outside their prescribed leave period.
"The workouts are voluntary and are there to assist the players' preparation for pre-season training," a Melbourne spokesman told AFL.com.au.
Under AFLPA guidelines, players have a rigid leave period to ensure they get appropriate rest after the season finishes.
The Demons' first to fourth-year players are due to return to training next week, with the full squad back in action on November 17.
It is understood the Melbourne players are supportive of the idea behind the training sessions.
Tighter protocols were introduced at the start of the 2013 pre-season, but revised guidelines were circulated to clubs at the end of this season, taking into account feedback from players and clubs.
Those guidelines included the option for clubs to apply to the AFLPA and the AFL to amend their training schedules based on specific needs of individual players, or groups of players.
Clubs found to have broken the guidelines could be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and $100,000 thereafter.
Roos has been frustrated by a perceived lack of access to his players during the off-season and he is understood to have raised his concerns with senior figures at the AFLPA.
However, the later start to the 2015 season means clubs' pre-seasons have effectively been extended by two weeks.
Players also receive set programs to ensure they are maintaining and improving their fitness levels, which they are then able to prove in the early stages of pre-season training.
Policing the off-season training of clubs and players remains an issue and the AFLPA is still working to strike the right balance with all parties.
