Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin could deploy Jordan Lewis to the backline in 2018

MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin could deploy his second oldest player to the back half in 2018 in a bid to further boost his side’s inexperienced defence. PICTURES

Jordan Lewis could play in the backline this year. Picture: Getty Images

JORDAN Lewis knows for the Demons to take the next step in 2018 they will need a greater contribution from their next tier.

And that might mean the Melbourne veteran taking more of a back-seat role.

Lewis, who carved his name as a midfielder and earned All-Australian honours racking up stats, will spend the summer training with the Demons’ backline in a role the Demons hope can usher through its next wave of talent and stabilise a defensive group yearning for more calm heads.

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Champion Data figures reveal the 31-year-old spent almost 70 per cent of his time in the midfield for Melbourne in 2017, so he was a notable face among the Demons’ defensive group as they went through their paces at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday.

He spent much of the session alongside new recruit Jake Lever, whom he expects to see plenty more of as his club builds its 2018 campaign.

Jordan Lewis works with Bernie Vince and the Dees’ backline. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve been training with the backline so far this pre-season ... we’re (Lever and I) going to be pretty tight over the duration of the pre-season,” Lewis said.

“It’s also learning off him. He’s a really good player and a solid player at AFL level, so whatever I can learn off him, you know I’m going to try to suck as much information off him as I can.”

Lewis said the Demons had lacked “leadership down back” at times in 2017. And while not promising a more-permanent defensive role next year, Lewis might be deployed in a bid to boost an inexperienced back six.

Jordan Lewis speaks to Simon Goodwin at Melbourne training. Picture: Getty Images

The ballwinner thrived in his first year under coach Simon Goodwin, finishing tied for third in the best and fairest as he rotated through the midfield.

But Melbourne hopes an influx of fresh faces through that onball group can see them reach their first finals since 2006.

“The guys that probably stand out are a (Clayton) Oliver and (Angus) Brayshaw and (Christian) Petracca, they’re probably the guys that we’re looking to take their game to the next level,” Lewis said.

“I think Clayton did that last year and we saw patches of Angus and Christian doing that as well, so if they can add to the consistency of what Clayton did last year I think they’ll become really good players.”

Max Gawn cut a lean figure on the track. Picture: Getty Images

Christian Petracca sweats it out at training. Picture: Getty Images

Lewis didn’t single out teammates but star ruckman Max Gawn, who missed a big chunk of 2017 with a serious hamstring injury, has come back three or four kilograms lighter and cut a ripped figure at training.

Jesse Hogan, coming off a year of illness, injury and dealing with the death of his father, was also lively on the track.

“I couldn’t imagine what he went through last year,” Lewis said.

“His ability to come back and deal with that and come back and play a few games and then obviously get struck down by injury again.

“You feel for the young guy but he’s come back with a really good attitude, but let’s just hope he gets a free run at it this year, because we’ve all seen what he can do.

“If he strings games together and gets that confidence back, he’s a real key (up) forward for us.”

New Demons Oskar Baker and Bayley Fritsch joined in the session while fellow draftees Charlie Spargo and Harrison Petty worked inside as they rehab from injury.

Jesse Hogan and Jake Lever engaged in some marking drills. Picture: Getty Images