BOOM Melbourne recruit Steven May is in the best shape of his career, recently retired Demon Bernie Vince says.

Vince has returned to the club in a part-time leadership and ambassadorial role in 2019, and will work closely with some of the younger Dees in the squad.

He has also spent time over the past couple of months with former Gold Coast co-captain Steven May, who was traded to Melbourne during October's trade period last year, with the defender already making a big impression.

"He's in the best shape he's ever been," Vince told SEN radio on Friday.

"His skinfolds probably weren't great when he came to the footy club, but he's improved his running heaps.

It's exciting, given that he was a great player when he probably wasn't in the best shape he could have been previously, and now he's flying.

"His potential could be anything this year."

Another recruit who has caught Vince's eye during the pre-season is South Australian draftee Tom Sparrow.

Taken at pick No.27 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the midfielder averaged 21.9 disposals at under-18 level in the SANFL last year.

He also played across half-back for South Australia in the Under-18 championships.

Vince was so impressed by Sparrow, he compared him to Geelong star and Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield.

"He's one that has stood out to me … really strong-bodied young fellow," Vince said.

"He's really keen to learn. He's a big lad, he reminds me a little bit of Patrick Dangerfield's body shape, and the way he goes about it.

"He's just a bull, and he's going to be a big man when he does a few pre-seasons and spends some time in the weights room."

The Demons will return to training on Saturday, before heading off to Maroochydore on their pre-season camp.