FIRST-year Demon and former Fremantle player Viv Michie says he’s determined to play a key part in an emerging midfield group at the club. 

Michie who played his fourth AFL match against Hawthorn at the MCG last round – his third for the Demons and his first since round two – said the likes of veteran Daniel Cross had been instrumental in helping his game since he joined the club.

“I think we’re starting to build a good midfield group and that’s my aim – to be a part of that and keep contributing, which is important and Crossy is definitely one who looks to help me out when he can,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He’s someone who is the ultimate professional and he’s been doing it for years now, so he’s a perfect guy to look up to in terms of his work rate and his professionalism on and off the field.

“Crossy’s been really good, especially in the period where he missed a few games. He was always willing to go through games with me and areas of my game that I need to work on. He’s always there for you, like a lot of the other guys are too.”

Michie, who had 19 touches against the Hawks, said it was a great opportunity to return against quality opposition last round.

“It was exciting to be back in the team after two to three months playing in the VFL, especially playing against Hawthorn at the ‘G – it was definitely good to get back,” he said.

“It wasn’t a standout game by any means, but just getting back and used to the pace of AFL footy was pretty challenging, so it wasn’t too bad for a first up effort.”

The 22-year-old, who joined Melbourne via last year’s trade period, started promisingly this season, before a broken jaw sidelined him for four matches early in 2014.

After building his form for Casey in the VFL in the second half of the season, Michie was on the cusp of selection for a few weeks – and was an emergency against Port Adelaide in round 18 – before winning his place back in the side. 

“I had some good form in the pre-season games and I managed to play the first couple in the AFL side and then went back to the VFL after the West Coast game in round two and broke my jaw, which wasn’t great,” he said.

“It’s never great getting injured, but I missed four games with that and I had to find some form after a layoff. I did that a little bit, but then my form was up and down over the next five or six games.

“I was a bit inconsistent, but then I started to string some good games together and started to implement some of the stuff that the coaches were telling me to work on.

“I’ve been able to do that for a couple of weeks in a row, which put me back in contention and then I was able to get back into the ones. Hopefully I’ll play out the rest of the year, hold my spot and keep improving.”

Although he started his AFL career with the Dockers and made his AFL debut last year, the Victorian said he was glad to return home, even if it had been a testing first year with the Demons.

“It’s been really good. I really enjoy being back home, closer to family and friends and being back in Melbourne,” he said.

“In terms of the new club, it’s been challenging, but it’s been really good also. I’m close to getting through my first year at the club and I’ve definitely settled in well now.

“I’ve got to know all of my teammates and what the club’s about and what we’re trying to do here, so it’s all pretty normal for me now and I feel I’ve settled in. I’m looking forward to the next little bit and then going into summer and then next season.

“In terms of the move, I’m really glad I’ve done it and I think it’s going OK.”