CHRIS Dawes says his best football is ahead of him as he returns to a familiar key forward role inside 50 at his new club, Melbourne.

Down on form in 2012 with Collingwood, the 2010 premiership player said he clearly didn't perform as he would have hoped as a ruckman/forward with the Magpies, but he expected the fresh start to quickly restore his confidence.

Excited at the prospect of playing alongside the Demons' other key target Mitch Clark and impressed with the club's batch of young talent, Dawes said he was ready embrace the move.

He said he left Collingwood with no hard feelings, having given the club everything he had, and he now looked forward to doing the same at Melbourne.

His message to supporters was direct and uncomplicated: "They can expect a lot of effort, a big target up forward and hopefully a bit of leadership around the place too." 

Dawes jogged laps on a bright morning on Wednesday and said he would gradually build his workload as the summer progressed.

He didn't expect the knee injury that hampered him in the preliminary final to affect the start of his 2013 season.

A noted track worker, Dawes has aspirations for a leadership role if it comes his way.

"I have always rated my leadership qualities and if I am in a position of leadership I'm sure that will bring out the best football in me," he said.

"If my teammates feel that it is appropriate and I feel it is appropriate - bear in mind it's my first day here and I have not felt the place out yet - it's certainly something I am interested in, but we'll deal with that down the track when it is the appropriate time."

Coach Mark Neeld Dawes could make a big contribution the team on the field.

"I have been involved with Dawesy in the past and seen him play some exceptionally good quality AFL football and I've got no doubt that is what he will offer," he said.

Neeld was pleased with the prospect of Dawes joining Clark and Cameron Pedersen inside 50 in 2013, with Jesse Hogan to follow when eligible to play in 2014.

"It is very rare that someone of that calibre is on the move during trade week and when they are and you are in the market for one you are going to do the best thing by your club and have a crack at them."