VIV MICHIE could become a very important clearance player and a potential future leader at Melbourne, according to Peel Thunder football manager Brad Bootsma.

Michie was traded to Melbourne on Thursday in exchange for the Demons' fourth-round pick at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft (No.54 overall).

The 21-year-old played just one game for Fremantle in three seasons. He made his debut in round 14 this year against Geelong, having had his previous two seasons marred by persistent stress fractures in his foot.

But Michie was a dominant player for Peel Thunder this year in the WAFL, averaging 26 disposals in 16 games before suffering a season ending knee-injury in round 21.

Bootsma believes the Demons have picked up a very good player.

"I see him being a good acquisition to Melbourne," Bootsma said.

"His chances were limited at Fremantle with the midfield that is there. I see him really blossoming where he's going now.

"I thought he was a really good clearance player for us with really good skills.

"His best attributes are the way he does kick the ball and distributes it. He's really good in tight."

Bootsma revealed that Michie's leadership was something that shone through in his time at Peel Thunder and could well be an added bonus for the Demons.

"We were going into a transition with an alignment model with Fremantle and he really embraced that," Bootsma said.

"The leadership that we saw was him really building the two parties together and he really embraced Peel Thunder and made sure that the Fremantle blokes were doing the same thing so it really capped a great year for him.

"He's really focused on where he wants to go in his football and I've got no doubt that he could definitely be a real leader at that club from what I've seen.

"He's very thorough and diligent in what he does in his preparation and the way he goes about his work."