The casualties were notable but Melbourne are hoping they'll reap the rewards for years to come from a gruelling pre-Christmas training camp.
Christian Salem ended up with concussion from an errant fallen brick and Dom Tyson suffered a partial dislocation of his patella tendon as the Demons were put through a series of exercises designed to test them physically and mentally.
![Nathan Jones says the real benefits of the training camp will be seen further down the track.](/web/20170112130328im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/p/p/r/y/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtpnw3.png/1484119959396.jpg)
Melbourne captain Nathan Jones said the playing group were given very little information about the two-day training camp.
"That is part of the test – getting guys to rock up in the right frame of mind and to attack it as hard as they can," Jones said.
Salem's injury came after the 21-year-old failed to pack his backpack properly.
"Instead of putting the brick down the bottom, he put the brick up the top," Jones said.
"He bent down to get something, obviously (with) the loose weight in the top (of the pack), the brick's swung forward which is unfortunate.
"Accidents happen and you can't foresee those injuries."
Salem was given the all clear after his concussion scare and has already returned to the main training group.
"A pretty common concussion – all the precautions were taken. But he's back in full training and there doesn't look to be any real issue beyond that," Jones said.
The rehabilitation for high draft pick Tyson wasn't quite as quick, however, after the gun midfielder injured his knee.
Melbourne are optimistic the 23-year-old will be available for the club's pre-season matches, starting with the clash against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval on February 18.
"It's been reported with Dom that he's recovering really quickly. His rehab has progressed in the past week and he'll be back as soon as possible," Jones said.
Melbourne's playing list was taken out of its comfort zone and even endured periods of sleep deprivation.
"That was one of the real challenges," Jones says. "I reflect on it now as one of the best experiences I've had in 12 years in the system.
"I think most of the players in particular saw it that way.
"I think the real benefits of it will come down the track. Hopefully it's something that we can draw on when we're under pressure and trying to really dig ourselves out."
There was never an intention for players to get injured and the club is focusing on the greater gains of seeing how their players cope in unfamiliar circumstances.
"You're always sort of pushing the envelope," Jones said.
"We go into the camp not intending to get an injury out of it but I guess you could look at the pre-season period and the chances are (also there that) someone is going to get injured."
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