The Age has a feature about what the clubs are up to and where they stand at the start of the festive season. Here's their take on the Demons:-

MELBOURNE

The workload: A three-day leadership camp to Sorrento with Leading Teams gave Melbourne a chance to develop and introduce Paul Roos' new game plan. Before and after, fitness boss Dave Misson has implemented a solid program filled with lots of game-specific running.

One to watch: Jimmy Toumpas might only play half the season next year, but the former No.4 draft pick is flying on the track to give himself every opportunity to make a big impression in the games he does play, having increased his running times markedly.

Medical room: Chris Dawes had knee surgery and is on the way back, as is Tom McDonald after shoulder surgery. Mitch Clark has set his sights on a return in the NAB Challenge after missing much of 2013 with a foot injury. Dom Tyson was nursed through the early stages.

WHEN THEY PLAY

NAB Challenge

Feb 14 v Richmond, Etihad Stadium

Feb 28 v Geelong, TIO Traeger Park

Practice match

March 8 v Hawthorn, Casey Fields

It may be Christmas but the footy never stops

How come they always make us play teams that finished above us?

Rigged, I tells ya.

Jimmy Toumpas might only play half the season next year

Why?

How come they always make us play teams that finished above us?

Rigged, I tells ya.

They might all be above us next year. Bloody hope not.

The Freo one is worth a read. Col Sylvia is on an individual program to get him up to the required fitness levels - the bum!

How come they always make us play teams that finished above us?

Rigged, I tells ya.

Nah you've gotta short memory.We tanked.We're on the bottom. We owe em a few mill.

You relax, their CEO & coach fix everything !

Nah you've gotta short memory.We tanked.We're on the bottom. We owe em a few mill.You relax, their CEO & coach fix everything !

good.

We invented the game and loaned them the ground .

So this is just a small favour back.