MELBOURNE star Aaron Davey says he has what it takes to be Melbourne's next captain.

Davey is part of a shortlist of six - along with Brad Green, Jared Rivers, Jack Grimes, Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones - to inherit the job that was left vacant with James McDonald's departure.

Green is said to be the favourite for the position, which is expected to be announced in February.

But Davey, who is the second most experienced player at the Demons behind Green, is a strong chance to take the job. And he is more than aware of the significance of the honour, should he get it.

"It would be amazing and to be the first ever indigenous captain of a historical club like Melbourne is something I never thought I'd be able to achieve," Davey told afl.com.au.

"In saying that, we've got to sit down and the club has to go through the process it is going through. Whether it is someone like Brad Green, Brent Moloney or Jared Rivers I would be more than happy to work alongside them to keep playing my role and we will all be trying to push the club forward for success."

With 139 games and a club best and fairest to his name, Davey has come a long way from the shy kid taken by the Demons in the 2004 rookie draft.

He says there was a time when the idea of him becoming captain was too far-fetched to bother thinking about."

I was one of those young guys just coming in to the club. It never crossed my mind that I'd be in a position to do this," he said.

"I think I've grown into a role and eight years on, who would have thought I'd be in the running for the job? If I don't get it, I don't get it and if I do get it, it would be amazing for myself and something I'd be really proud of."

Davey has had already had a senior role in recent seasons as the unofficial leader of Melbourne's many indigenous players. He said it has helped shape his skills to the point where he is ready to take a broader leadership role.

"It has helped me over the past couple of years but I am at a stage now where I don't just want to be seen as a leader of the indigenous guys now," he said.

"I am hoping one of those guys step up. I feel as though I've developed into a good leader myself. I guess it has helped me become the person I am now but now I am in the leadership group it is a responsibility for someone like Austin Wonaeamirri now to pick up the role.

"Davey's leadership was crucial in November when Wonaeamirri's father was killed in car crash on the Tiwi Islands. The pair briefly lived together when Wonaeamirri arrived at Melbourne at the end of 2007 and soon became close friends.

Davey was a much-needed comfort for his younger teammate in the toughest time of his life.

"I've really got a soft spot for Aussie. I guess I'm his family down here now so I've got to give him all the support he needs. If that means me putting my own time aside to make Aussie become better then I walk away a happy person," he said.

"It has been very tough for Aussie. It's always hard to lose family members, especially your father. He has had to cope with it and the club has really got behind him which makes you even more proud to be a part of the Melbourne football club.

"He's going well, he's back training fairly hard and looking to get his body right. I am looking forward to seeing Aussie kick a few goals this year."