Melbourne expect their full contingent of premiership stars back on deck from the start of pre-season training as they embark on another AFL flag tilt.
And in a stark warning to their rivals, the Demons are showing no signs of a hangover after ending their 57-year premiership drought two months ago.
Some senior players have been so eager to return to action that they have been ordered to temper their off-season fitness regimes.
Experienced midfielder Jack Viney cut an impressive figure alongside flag teammate Christian Salem as a group of Demons trained at Olympic Park this week.
"They've been away from us but they've been training really hard, the boys," football operations boss Alan Richardson said.
"If anything we've probably had to make a few calls to hold people back, which is a really good space to be in.
"They're really maturing as a playing group and the coach (Simon Goodwin) is really on top of where the group is at, as much as you can be when they're not with us.
"But they're in a good space and we think we'll be pretty right in that (premiership hangover) space."
Melbourne players are due to report back for the start of their official pre-season training program in the first week of December.
"The main thing is to get our players fit, get them healthy (and) create a bit of clarity around the way that we want to play," Richardson said.
"Our first focus is just (pre) Christmas to make sure that we get what we want out of that period so that they can then have another break and perhaps spend some time with their families.
"Things might open up again so they can do a little bit more out and about, and then just roll our sleeves up after Christmas."
Melbourne will hold a series of events in the coming weeks to celebrate their flag success with their fans.
Many supporters were under lockdown in Victoria when the Demons beat the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium to hoist the premiership cup for the first time since 1964.
The Demons have requested to unfurl their flag before a round-one showdown with the Bulldogs at the MCG in March.
