Melbourne coach Neale Daniher admits the AFL's $1 million premiership incentive could influence some clubs' planning at the business end of the pre-season competition.

Last week, the league announced the incentive for the club that could win the NAB Cup and the regular season premiership, a feat last achieved by Essendon in 2000.

While Daniher doubted the wealthier AFL clubs would take too much note of the idea, it would be a major boost for cash-strapped clubs such as the Demons.

When asked if the bonus might make a difference to how Melbourne approached the NAB Cup, he replied: "it might if you get to round three, but initially it doesn't change any of your planning for round one.

"It's a fantastic incentive, a great initiative, hopefully we're in the ball park.

"There will be plenty in the front office who'd like a cool million, but it wouldn't worry West Coast and a few other clubs - it will go down well for a Melbourne-based club.

"It won't necessarily change their preparation, but I think when you come to the semi-final and grand final, it could shape your side."

The Demons continued their buildup to round one of the NAB Cup later this month with a scratch match at Moorabbin on Monday.

Young midfielder Nathan Jones was particularly impressive during the informal hitout.

"We talk about February champions, but he's had a great pre-season, he's prepared well and he'll take a step up," Daniher said of Jones.

The 19-year-old played eight senior games last year in his debut season.

Daniher was also impressed with youngster James Frawley, along with defender Clint Bizzell and midfielder Brent Moloney.

Injury meant Bizzell played no games last season and Moloney only managed seven.

Small forward Aaron Davey rolled his ankle last Friday night while playing for the Indigenous All-Stars and rested on Monday, but the injury is not rated as serious.

All-Stars team-mate Byron Pickett and top midfielder Travis Johnstone (foot) were other notable figures on the sideline.

Overall, Daniher is extremely pleased with how the pre-season is going for the Demons.

"We'll have another hitout next Tuesday, we've fortunately got access to Telstra Dome, so we're just slowly graduating match play.

"I was happy with it (today) ... we had our best backline on our best forwards and then we had a good matchup with the `mids' because we had (Brent) Moloney on (James) McDonald, Jones on (Brock) McLean and (Brad) Green on (Cameron) Bruce.

"Then we had the young blokes down the other end, but Clint Bizzell played really well on `Whitey' (Jeff White), it was a mixture."

While Daniher plans to use the NAB Cup principally to blood younger players, he said the Demons wanted to do well from the start.

"Every club has a different plan ... we're using the NAB Cup as an opportunity to prepare for round one and have a look at some of these young blokes," he said.

"But we want to win, don't worry, we'll be winning."

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