JACK Grimes won't captain Melbourne next year after electing to step down from the role he's shared for three seasons.

 

The 25-year-old wants to focus on his own form next year after an inconsistent 2014 that petered out when he missed four of the final five games with a hamstring injury.

 

He told his teammates on Monday he wanted to remain a leader at the Demons but not in the primary role.  

 

"There is no doubt my leadership has evolved and developed during my time as co-captain," Grimes said.

 

"However, clearly on-field is the most important aspect of leadership, and my own on-field performance needs to improve.

 

"By removing the co-captaincy role, I believe I can use all my mental and physical energy into improving my on-field performance, which will be the best thing for myself and the team."

 

Grimes said he had spent "considerable time" thinking about stepping down across the off-season, and talked it over with people he trusted.

 

He was named co-captain at the age of 22 in 2012, along with Jack Trengove, who is just over two years younger.

 

This year, he shared the responsibility with Nathan Jones after Trengove – who was the youngest appointed captain of a VFL/AFL club in history - stepped down in November 2013.

 

The Demons will finalise their leadership group and captaincy structure early next year.