Gaz’s Demons training report: Who were his “standouts?”

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon has provided a report on how the Demons are progressing throughout their preseason.

Lyon observed his former club training yesterday, and while acknowledging the entire group looked good, he did single out some individuals. He consolidated three-time premiership player Tim Watson’s opinion that he has “never seen” a ruckman look as fit as Max Gawn, with the 2016 All-Australian set for a bounce back season after an injury ravaged 2017.

“The mail on Maxy Gawn was spot on,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

“He didn’t have to be back training, but he was there training with Mitch King. He was running unbelievably well, he was lean, cut and fit.”

Gawn wasn’t the only Demon to catch the eye of the dual Melbourne best and fairest winner.

“The first to fourth year players were doing their 200 metre runs,” Lyon said.

“Angus Brayshaw and Alex Neal-Bullen were the two standouts, along with Jayden Hunt. Christian Petracca looked good, but by the very last one he had the tongue out. They all looked really fine.

“Clayton Oliver has come back in good shape, he is flying around. Corey Maynard, I keep telling you, he is the one. He is powerful and had a ripping VFL finals. He will be there.

“Harley Balic was there running around, he didn’t look as fit as the other couple, but he looked fine. He is still finding his way in the caper.”

Coach Simon Goodwin will search to steer his club to the finals for the first time since 2006. Their journey begins at the MCG on Sunday March 25 against Geelong.