JORDAN Lewis expects to play a hybrid role in 2018.

The four-time premiership and second-year Demon said he was set to spend time down back and in the middle this year.

“I’ve trained this pre-season in the defence, so that’s been really good for me,” he told melbournefc.com.au.  

“I’ve built some really good relationships with the defenders … understanding at any stage I could be called on to play in the midfield.

“For me, it’s about having an open mind and doing a lot of my training in defence, but pinch-hitting in the midfield throughout the training, so you don’t lose that contact, especially with the likes of [ruckman] Maxy [Gawn].”

Lewis, who is undertaking his 14^th AFL pre-season, said it had been another solid campaign.

“I had a week off when we came back, post our [end of season] break, but up until then, I’ve managed to do every session. So, for me, it’s about consistency with training sessions and getting your body in a position where, when the season comes around, you’re fit and able to play,” he said.

“It is pretty similar from year-to-year – and there are new faces who come in and some faces who leave – but from my point of view, it’s still about learning the way people play.

“Some of the main guys, I didn’t play a lot with last year, so [I’m] still working out how they play and how they react in certain situations, which has been really good for me, as has seeing the young kids come through and taking another step forward.”

Lewis, who had a fine first-up season with Melbourne, finishing equal third in the club’s 2017 best and fairest award, said he felt upbeat about the season ahead.

“You are a lot more comfortable, because you have played for a year, and you form some close relationships with the guys,” he said.

“I still feel as though I haven’t been here for that long, so you’re still refreshed and energised, and keen to make an impact again.”

Meanwhile, Lewis said he was fully behind former Hawthorn teammate Luke Hodge’s decision to move to the Brisbane Lions.

“We spoke before he went up there and I think it’s a great decision, if his body is fit and able, which he says it is,” he said.

“I think Brisbane hasn’t had that leadership there since Jonathan Brown left, so to have a guy like Hodgey, who has so much experience and success – you just can’t buy that from a coach’s point of view.

“To have someone on the field with these guys directing, and for them to understand what it takes to be a real leader in the competition – I think it’s a great ploy by Chris Fagan and the Brisbane Football Club.”