Melbourne Demons veteran Tom McDonald has been training with Collingwood Magpies midfielder and defender Jack Crisp as he pushes to return to full fitness.
McDonald battled a foot injury throughout the 2022 season, being limited to just nine games.
The one-club player, who has been with the Demons for over 200 games since making his debut way back in 2011, has kicked 157 goals for the club and was part of the side who won the premiership in 2021.
The 30-year-old's absence was felt heavily throughout 2022, after a 2021 campaign where he averaged 14 disposals and 1.4 goals per game and picked up eight Brownlow Medal votes as his side took out the flag.
He put up similar numbers during limited games last year, and attempted to return for the AFL finals via the VFL, but re-aggrivated the injury during in the second-tier competition.
The leading goal kicker at the club in 2018, his return from injury and back into a Top 23 spot at the Demons is being aided through the off-season by sprint and agility seasons led by Jay Washington, with Crisp also taking part in the sessions according to 7News.
"I'm not the most agile player, but if I do this, I feel a lot more balanced on my feet and it really helps me," McDonald said.
Washington has previously been involved in McDonald's career as he progressed into a Top 23 player at the Demons, and he admitted he had at one stage believed he could have been set to leave the club.
"I probably thought it was going to be my last chance at Melbourne, or I'd have a fresh start at another team," he said.
McDonald is expected to be fit for Round 1, when the Demons clash with the Western Bulldogs to open their season at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 18.
