A FEELING of "secure confidence" that Melbourne will perform strongly in 2017 has forward Jack Watts excited by what is to come for his side this season.

Watts, who enjoyed the best year of his AFL career in 2016, said the mindset of the group was vastly different to what it had been previous seasons.

"Everyone who has been here for a long time. It's that secure confidence that we're going to play well no matter what," Watts told melbournefc.com.au.

"We might get beaten some days – of course that's going to happen in footy, it can't always go your way - but we know that the way we're playing will stack up and we're going to play really well."

Melbourne is aiming to make finals for the first time since 2006, and the recruitment of Jordan Lewis and Michael Hibberd and the progression of youngsters such as Christian Petracca, Jayden Hunt, Angus Brayshaw and Clayton Oliver will assist in that quest.

The Demons are using a pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast to fine-tune their skills and drill down on the finer details of Simon Goodwin's game plan as they get set to attack the JLT Community Series.

"The way we're being taught and educated about the game is the right way and the proper way to play," Watts said.

"The younger guys coming through pick it up so quickly and know the right way to play so, for me, it's that feeling of anticipation and wanting to get into it.

"I think we're going to have a strong year, there's no doubt about that. Where it ends up, who knows but it's going to be an exciting and enjoyable year for the boys and I want to be a big part of that."

Watts booted a career-high 38 goals (second at the club behind Jesse Hogan) as he relished his role as a permanent lead-up forward in 2016.

The 25-year-old said his body was in good shape as he enters his ninth season at Melbourne.

"I feel great and I haven't had many setbacks at all," Watts said.

"I've been out there for pretty much every single session so I think that's pretty much the key – the older I get and the more I'm out there, you realise as long as you can complete the sessions, that's an important part of pre-season.

"I'm feeling strong and in a really good place for another good year."