IT’S TIGHT for spots in Melbourne’s 22, which is a fortunate position for the club to be in.

But when an opening comes in the middle of the ground, James Jordon is ready to take his chance.

The No.33 draft pick, who is still just 19 years of age, has gone about his business quietly since joining the Dees in 2018, but his coaches are taking note.

Behind closed doors, Jordon is doing everything in his power to improve his craft, and he’s edging closer to an AFL debut.

“He’s a strong inside mid that has worked really hard on his game,” development coach Matt Egan said on The Talking Points.

“He followed around Clayton Oliver for a year – just did everything he did in the gym and on the track.

“He learns the game really well, he’s really tough over the ball – uses the ball well.

Jordon has worked closely with Tom Sparrow since the pair first arrived at Melbourne, and they have benefited from the competition within the midfield group.

“[They] have been glued at the hip together since they got here,” Egan said.

“Both obviously strong inside mids and I think JJ’s in the same position – they’re ready.

“Both JJ and Tommy have been competing against (Jack) Viney, (Angus) Brayshaw, (Clayton) Oliver, (Christian) Petracca all pre-season, and they’ve been pushing them really hard.

“I don’t think it matters that you earn your time in the VFL and you get your runs on the board.”

Watch below as Egan provided an insight into a number of other young Demons on Episode 7 of The Talking Points.