WHEN Jake Lever joins his new teammates at Melbourne training on Monday, he'll be joining a playing group already in full flight.

With the enthusiasm of Christian Petracca on show as a trimmed-down Max Gawn leapt high for grabs, the Demons trained with intensity as the music pumped at Gosch's Paddock on Friday.

Trimmed to the Max: Dee back in top shape

Far from showing any signs of despair in the pre-season slog, these players were enjoying themselves.

Petracca laughed throughout a friendly battle with teammate Clayton Oliver as they went head to head in marking drills. 

Fresh from his chance American catch-up with LeBron James, Petracca even duelled with coach Simon Goodwin as the ball came in from above.

'Craziest thing I've done': Petracca meets LeBron

Co-captain Nathan Jones made an appearance on the track ahead of Monday's return of the full squad, but didn't take part in the session.

The 29-year-old ran laps under the watchful eyes of fitness staff and took time out for some physio work on his lower back.

Tom McDonald, who is recovering from surgery on both ankles, was also on light duties.  

Lever officially arrives at the Demons on Monday, having started his holidays much later than his new teammates thanks to Adelaide's Grand Final appearance.

While there'll be an element of pressure on the 21-year-old defender after the intense spotlight on his move from the Crows, he'll be joining a team that's already on a pre-season roll.

Jordan Lewis made an early appearance at Melbourne training on Friday. Picture: Getty Images

Angus Brayshaw and Corey Maynard get to grips with each other. Picture: Getty Images