Instead, the players had the opportunity to train in the wet - conditions that will most likely become all too familiar once the home and away season gets underway during Melbourne's winter.
The ability of players to pick up the ball cleanly was tested in the conditions, as was their handballing skills in close when the footy is wet.
Alastair Clarkson also had his players hone their kicking skills ahead of Round 2 of the NAB Cup against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Full ground competitive work was then on the menu as the players were split into two teams before breaking for a running session.
While a group of players left the track, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and others stayed on to practice their goal kicking.
Lance Franklin spots a target by hand as Assistant Coach Adam Simpson applies pressure.
Utility Matt Spangher gets hit as he quickly fires off a handpass to a teammate.
The silky skills of Shaun Burgoyne were on show in the wet conditions, no wonder his teammates call him 'silk', check out the clean pick up.
Alastair Clarkson called the players in for a quick briefing and to explain the next drill.
Draftee Tim O'Brien flies for a pack mark, but as usual, Josh Gibson is there to spoil the party.
Gibson then shows he's just as good at ground level, using his vision to dish to Jack Gunston.
Bradley Hill puts the heat on Spangher as his ability below his knees is put to the test.
Ben Stratton sidesteps Simpson before being hit by the bump bag.
Here comes Buddy!
Youngsters Angus Litherland and O'Brien have eyes only for the footy as it's in dispute.
A no-look handpass is headed the way of Jordan Lewis courtesy of Isaac Smith as Amos Frank confronts the speedster.
Gibson again shows why he's one of the best spoilers in the competition, this time punching the footy away from rookie, Will Langford.
Amos Frank was doing his best to get involved, tackling Jonathan Simpkin but not before he gets rid of the footy.
How balanced is Luke Breust? He gathers on the wing and looks for an option up the ground.
Max Bailey is ready to take a mark on the lead but ghosting in from the side is Jarryd Roughead to cut off the pass.
