FOR one Melbourne fan, this has been a week to remember, as the Demons have strutted their stuff in his hometown.

Canberra-based Phil Maurer has supported the Demons since he was a kid, including seeing the club's famous 1964 Grand Final win.

But moving to the nation's capital 38 years ago meant missing out on seeing his beloved Dees on a regular basis.

Needless to say, when he heard the club's Community Camp was rolling into town this week he was over the moon at the chance to watch the Demons train.

“I enjoy Canberra but I still get homesick every winter,” he said.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see them here… absolutely fantastic and it’s great to see the enthusiasm out there after a disappointing season last year,” an excited Mr Maurer said at Melbourne morning training session at Ainslie Oval.

Despite being an eight-hour drive away from Melbourne, the retiree has still signed up as a club member. In fact, he is one of the 18,000 current Demons members - the club is aiming for 30,000 this season – and Phil's children will be among them.

Melbourne players were put through a tough two-hour morning session on the lush surface in Ainslie. One highlight was goal-kicking practice when Chinese recruit Zhao Yong Gen scored from 50 yards out.

A huge roar could be heard from the entire playing group when Gen scored. They then hoisted him on their shoulders to celebrate his first 'goal' at the club.

Phil is hoping his heroes will be doing more celebrating this season.

“Two years ago, the so-called experts were tipping them for finals footy. That didn’t work out but they still have the core of that squad.

“I’m really confident we can improve on last year. I think coach [Dean] Bailey is a breath of fresh air – maybe we needed a change.”

And his favourite player? “Matty Whelan. He’s a hard worker and probably not the most talented in the group but works so hard for the team.”