MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney is far more advanced in his rehab from a troublesome foot injury compared to this time last year as he continues to string consistent sessions together at training.
Viney remains with the rehab group after having a procedure on his ankle in late September but says his body is feeling good after the injury issues he's faced over the past 18 months.
"I'm definitely further advanced this pre-season than what I was in previous [years]," Viney told the club's website.
"I'm still in rehab but I'm starting to put consistent 8km sessions together, which is really good.
"I don't think I was even running at this point last year.
"I'm now coming up to a month of having a good solid training block which is exactly what my body needs."
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Viney has been mostly training with Angus Brayshaw (back) and Jake Lever (knee) in rehab, leading the way with his discipline and determination.
The Demons have cautious with Viney's pre-season training loads in a bid to ensure he is ready to play a full season in 2019.
Viney managed just 10 matches in 2018, missing the first two months of the season with a foot issue before a different part of his foot flared up again in July.
He made it back for the club's finals series and performed strongly, but it was clear that he was coming off a limited base.
"I haven't had a consistent training load for a few years now, so I just keep ticking boxes and it's doing the world of good for my feet and my body," Viney said.