Melbourne swingman Harrison Petty has provided an update on his recovery from a season-ending foot injury that curtailed his 2023 season.

A Lisfranc injury to the 24-year-old was confirmed in August on the eve of the Demons' finals run, with the setback souring the defender-turned-forward's campaign after a strong run of form in attack.

The injury often requires extensive and slow rehabilitation, with Petty still part of the club's rehab group less than two months out from Melbourne's season opener against Sydney.

Petty has begun to raise his running workloads and has also been able to lean on fellow forwards who are also recovering from respective ailments to best prepare for the year ahead.

Speaking toย Melbourne Media,ย Petty has taken the positives out of his recovery as he eyes an eventual return.

"Foot's good, feeling alright but could be a bit better," Petty said.

"It's good to be back doing bits and pieces with the main group and getting back into footy.

"I've been really lucky. I've had Melky (Jake Melksham) and Fritta (Bayley Fritsch) who have been in the rehab group most of 2023 and then the back end here.

"It's been good working with them, especially as forwards as you can still get a lot of (training on) craft work and leading patterns which is good."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Harrison Petty of the Demons in action during the 2021 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium on September 10, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The premiership Demon would cement his place in Simon Goodwin's forward line with a six-goal outing against Richmond in Round 20 last year, with Melbourne's attacking struggles seemingly finding it's long-awaited answer.

The following week Petty would suffer the foot injury in a tackle against North Melbourne, cruelly ending his fifth season in the red and blue early.

An uninterrupted rehab path is sure to have Petty in the mix for the start of Melbourne's season, with a new-look forward line set to be on full display this year.

The Demons recruited Adelaide forward Shane McAdam over the off-season and will look to partner Petty with third-year tall Jacob van Rooyen as their twin pillars of attack.

Melbourne's 2024 season will commence with a trip to the SCG in Opening Round to open the new season before a return to MCG to face the Western Bulldogs the week after.

The Demons also have a meeting with Carlton in late February as part of their pre-season schedule.