Melbourne draftee Xavier Lindsay has collected the Round 7 Rising Star nomination

Melbourne’s strong fortnight just got better, with its first-round draftee putting his name in contention to win the Rising Star.

It’s been a whirlwind four weeks for Melbourne young gun Xavier Lindsay.

The Demons’ No. 11 pick from last season’s draft went down in Round 3 with an innocuous knee injury.

After already having a knee setback in his draft year, Melbourne – and Lindsay – feared the worst.

But Lindsay escaped injury, quickly returned to the senior side and has found form strong enough to be recognised as the Round 7 Rising Star nominee.

“There were question marks around it, it obviously hurt a little bit but I then it was fortunate enough and lucky enough that the results came back pretty good,” he said.

“I was rapt with those results, it was awesome, it was a bit daunting after what you hear (could happen) from the docs.

“It’s awesome to be this week’s Rising Star, even better to get it in a win.”

Xavier Lindsay (R) says Ed Langdon has taken him under the wing in his debut season at Melbourne. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Lindsay says getting a game and earning a Rising Star nomination were on his list of goals coming into the season.

Now, he wants to play as much as he can in the red and blue and is happy to do so in any position on the ground.

“Just playing consistently at the AFL level, cementing my spot in the team and then eventually in the long run hopefully win a flag, that would be unreal,” he said.

“To be honest, it doesn’t really bother me (where I play), wherever the team needs me I am happy to play.

“I think having that versatility helps me and I am happy to play wherever.”

Lindsay has stepped into Melbourne at a time of change to its game plan.

He says the past two weeks are proof the adjustment is a winning method and hopes the results continue.

“Our pressure has been through the roof, it’s been something we’ve tried to hone in on and the results show,” he said.

“We’re just trying to take it week by week and trying to put our best foot forward, hopefully we get a few more wins on the board.”

Originally published as Melbourne draftee Xavier Lindsay has collected the Round 7 Rising Star nomination