New Demons recruit Jordan Lewis has hit the ground running at Melbourne as he looks to lead his new club to the finals for the first time since 2006.
Melbourne defender Tom McDonald told radio station SEN on Wednesday that Lewis has made a positive impact on the club since his arrival, so much so that Lewis has had his name attached to a few new drills.
"He's already had a huge impact," McDonald said.
"We've already got a couple training drills named after him, the Lewis kick drill.
"He's already teaching our guys how to kick better.
"I think everyone has loved his influence so far."
The 30-year-old is a four-time premiership player with Hawthorn, and played 264 games in his 12 seasons at the Hawks before making the switch to Melbourne during last season's trade period.
"Everyone knows he's been a super player and been at one of the most successful teams of all time," McDonald said.
"With that, comes a natural level of respect.
"He picks his places when he wants to talk, he doesn't want to be overbearing and feel like he's pushing himself on to other guys.
"The guys just love when he speaks about something that's happening at training or his experiences, everyone just laps it up."
With Lewis' inclusion and Melbourne's rise over the past four seasons, many players at the club believe this is the season for the Demons to make the leap into the top eight.
After winning two games in 2013, four in 2014, seven in 2015 and 10 in 2016, Melbourne are trending in the right direction, and McDonald believes September football isn't out of the question.
"I think we're definitely capable of playing finals," McDonald said.
"It hasn't been said as a group that we have to play finals or it's a failure or anything like that.
"I think progression for us is to be playing finals pretty soon and not just be playing, but to be doing well in finals.
"That's the next step for us."
