Most AFL fans would not recognise the name Selwyn Griffith.
But Melbourne's new high-performance chief has a significant role to play behind the scenes this summer as the 2021 premiers seek to repeat their success next year.
Griffith has taken over the top role after serving under renowned fitness guru Darren Burgess, who left for Adelaide, and has already had the Demons' flag stars working hard over their off-season breaks.
He will have a full squad available to be put through their paces when the Dees report for the start of the club's official pre-season training program at Casey Fields on Monday.
"He wants to make his mark pretty early and he's got us training really hard at the moment," Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney said.
"There's a bit of nervous energy about the (1km) time trials."
Melbourne's clean bill of health serves as an early warning sign for their flag rivals, with Viney adamant the Dees are as hungry as ever for success.
The 27-year-old, who is entering his 10th pre-season program, said the sheer number of players at unofficial training sessions during the break was a good sign.
"It has allowed us to train to a really high quality and even get some low-level drills and game simulation happening," Viney said.
"From personal experience, I think the majority of the playing group are even fitter than they were coming into the pre-season last year.
"We're in a really good position and I know the guys are looking forward to jumping back into training."
Australian Associated Press
