'I need to improve': Grimes steps down as Melbourne skipper
Dees defender steps down to concentrate on his efforts on the field
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.