LADDER position is foremost on Jordan Lewis' mind ahead of the Melbourne-Port Adelaide blockbuster.  

The Queen's Birthday loss to Collingwood has renewed talk about the big-game credentials of the Demons, who are fourth on the ladder.

But only percentage separates Melbourne from the seventh-placed Power ahead of their big Friday night clash and that is Lewis' priority.

West Coast's upset loss to Essendon on Thursday night also means the Demons will climb to third if they beat the Power.  

"The ladder is so tight - that's probably the biggest motivating factor," Lewis said.  

"We're not out there to prove ourselves right or anyone else wrong.  

"We're out there to solidify our place in the eight, (we're) on the same points and it's a game between seventh and fourth.  

"So that is a big motivating factor, going over there."  

Before the Collingwood loss, Melbourne had racked up a six-game winning streak.  

But North Melbourne is the only current top-eight team they have beaten this season and Port would be a massive scalp.  

The Power are coming off impressive home wins over Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.  

They made one change, recalling in-form defender Tom Jonas for Jack Hombsch.  

The Demons brought in Dom Tyson and Tim Smith for Cam Pedersen and Charlie Spargo.  

Lewis is buoyant about Melbourne, with the veteran defender saying they the team is becoming more consistent and the group has been together for 18 months.  

"It's definitely an upward trajectory, but where we sit on that, I'm not too sure," he said.  

"There's going to be a little bit of inconsistency along the way, it's just how it is.  

"But certainly you can see signs of improvement from last year to this year already."

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