MELBOURNE plans to take an experienced line-up into its first NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle next Thursday night at Fremantle Oval.

After a solid training session on Friday that included match simulation, football manager Josh Mahoney told AFL.com.au he expected new recruits Heritier Lumumba, Jeff Garlett, Sam Frost and Ben Newton to be given plenty of game time to adjust to the Demons’ system ahead of round one.

He said the club would however introduce its younger players more gradually.

"Lumumba, Garlett, Frost, Newton will feature heavily in it [the NAB Challenge]," Mahoney said.

"In terms of the young guys they might get a taste of it – one or two games – but [we] certainly don't see them playing a major part in the NAB Challenge."

The Demons have 35 players available leading into the pre-season comp with only Jeremy Howe (hamstring), Bernie Vince (hamstring), Christian Petracca (knee), Alex Neal-Bullen (knee) and Jack Trengove (foot) sidelined.

"We'll take the approach that we will play our most competitive team through those three [NAB Challenge] games … and hopefully build some momentum going into the season," Mahoney said.

The club has expanded its midfield depth since Paul Roos began as coach in 2014 with Nathan Jones leading a group that includes Dom Tyson, Daniel Cross, Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas.

Christian Salem's class was once again evident in Friday's short scratch match while Viv Michie showed poise across half-back.

Garlett looks likely to create a few headaches for opposition defences and will have good support from Dean Kent and Jay Kennedy-Harris as high half forwards.

The increased depth is building competition for spots and players will be keen to impress ahead of the club's season opener against Gold Coast on April 4.

They face a big challenge against Fremantle, who have restricted Melbourne to six goals or less in their last four encounters. 

"We go into this NAB Challenge well prepared, but you never know until you test yourself against opposition, so that is what the players are looking forward to doing," Mahoney said.

Not only does the list look different, but the Demons are embarking on a new approach to attract members and restore the faith to those who have drifted from the club in recent seasons.

On Thursday, Melbourne players visited the Bayside, Stonnington and Boroondara regions of Melbourne as part of a plan to reconnect to the club’s traditional heartland and it hopes to have 35,000 members on board by round one.