HIGHLY respected Melbourne defender Neville Jetta has been elevated to the club's leadership group, with the Demons deciding to retain their co-captaincy model for 2019. 

Jetta, 29, replaces veteran defender Jordan Lewis in the group, while Virgin Australia AFL All Australian ruckman Max Gawn will serve as a key leadership group member again.  

Midfielders Nathan Jones and Jack Viney will continue as a co-skippers, a role they have held since 2017, in the four-man leadership team. 

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said the official leadership title was just reward for the resilience and development Jetta had demonstrated in recent seasons. 

"I have been fortunate to see Neville's growth as a player and role model first hand over the last 10 years," Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au. 

"He represents all of the characteristics that we want in a Melbourne person and we are glad that he has been recognised in this way."

Instead of being part of the official leadership team, Lewis will work with the coaches and provide input on the program from a player's point of view. 

"After chatting with Jordan about the next phase in his development, we decided that he would step away from the leadership group this season and transition into a role working closely with the coaches," Mahoney said.

"Jordan was brought to the club to improve our leadership and he should take a lot of the credit for the quality and depth that has been created." 

"Jordan will still play an important role assisting the leadership group throughout the year."