Two days after fainting at training, All-Australian defender Jake Lever is back focused on repeating Melbourne's AFL premiership success.
The 25-year-old sent a scare through the Demons camp when he required assistance after a gruelling running session at Casey Fields.
He was quickly cleared by Melbourne's medical staff and was well enough on Wednesday to train and front the media.
In hindsight, Lever's collapse was a promising sign of how hard Melbourne are working to try and follow up their drought-breaking flag.
"On reflection, I think it's a test designed to be pretty hard," Lever said on Wednesday.
"I ran a PB (personal best) for both my first few times so maybe I went a little too hard in the first couple of runs.
"I'm not the first person to faint after giving it my all and I don't think I'll be the last either."
A natural leader, Lever is setting the standards at training, but he is not the only one to come back just as dedicated.
"It's fantastic we've been able to come back in really good shape," Lever said.
It's probably coming more from the guys who didn't play in the grand final with a bit of a point to prove.
"It's great for our culture, great for positions on the ground to be pushing each other."
The majority of the Demons' premiership stars have reported back for training, after finally celebrating September's grand final with their families and 30,000 supporters at the MCG on Sunday.
Melbourne will open the 2022 season in a grand final rematch with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Wednesday, March 16.
Australian Associated Press
