MELBOURNE decided to elevate Jack Viney to the co-captaincy at the start of the season because coach Simon Goodwin believed it was impossible to ignore the young midfielder's leadership qualities.

The move to promote Viney to skipper alongside incumbent leader Nathan Jones was met with criticism at the time, with some questioning whether the then 22-year-old was ready to assume such a big responsibility.

Jones was initially taken aback by the move and sought an explanation from Goodwin as to why the sole responsibility was "being taken away" from him.

Match preview: Carlton v Melbourne

Goodwin told Jones the club was trying to grow the depth of leadership at the club, a gulf that had been widening in recent seasons a key factor in why the club had not appeared in finals since 2006.

Jones and Viney symbolised the old and the new Melbourne and there was no mystery as to why Max Gawn, Tom McDonald, Jordan Lewis and Bernie Vince were part of the leadership model as the club continues to move in a new direction.

With Jones (quad) and Viney (foot) sidelined by injury for at least the next month, Goodwin's aim of broadening the leadership burden will be tested more than ever before as the Demons pursue September action.

AFL.com.au has taken a look at the contenders for the top job in Jones and Viney's absence.

Max Gawn
The big ruckman has a certain aura about him and is Pied Piper-like in the way he gets others to follow him. Gawn is a brilliant clubman – he has a great attitude towards footy clinics (he was studying to be a teacher), he is charming and humorous at club events and was awarded the James McDonald Trophy (heart and spirit award) at last year's best and fairest count. He is popular among the players – he is the man entrusted with organising the catch-ups and looks after the tunes blasted out at training – and is a standout media performer. The frontrunner for the job. 

Tom McDonald
McDonald is one of the most articulate players you will come across. The key defender turned forward is a deep thinker and is very intelligent – he is studying a commerce degree at university, he took up German as a second language and is the club's AFLPA delegate. McDonald is more introverted than others, but leads by example with his actions and his words. A loyal Melbourne person. 

Jordan Lewis
Experience is Lewis' biggest asset as a leader. The four-time premiership player has played in big finals and has delivered in pressure situations. Lewis is a pragmatic leader and has the attitude of getting on with things. Had he not been traded from Hawthorn to Melbourne, he was the logical candidate to take over the captaincy from Luke Hodge when he stood down from the position at the start of this season. 

Bernie Vince
Although Vince is a laid-back character, he has vastly improved leadership credentials since arriving at Melbourne from Adelaide. The 2015 best and fairest winner took more ownership after he was traded by the Crows and decided to become more outspoken and set better examples for younger teammates. Vince is likeable, he has a good sense of humour and often lifts the mood of the group when it needs it. Also a polished media performer on multiple platforms.