Melbourne veteran Jake Melksham admits the Demons have exceeded their own pre-season expectations, but has belief in the club making a serious finals push.
After finishing 14th last year and sacking coach Simon Goodwin, Melbourne appeared set for another tough year in 2026.
But rookie coach Steven King has transformed the Demons from a team that struggled to score into one of the more watchable outfits in the AFL.
"This time last year there was basically already a line through us and we were out of the finals race," Melksham told AAP.
"To to be in a pretty commanding position 18 games in, I don't think we were expecting to be where we are right now at the start of the year.
"We've done very well, but having said that, I don't think we've overachieved.
"I look around and see the style of play and the cattle that we've got ... it looks really good, and it's fun to be a part of."
Melbourne will consolidate their spot in the top six if they register their 12th win of the season when they face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
After being a late inclusion for last week's win over Richmond when Harrison Petty was a late out, Melksham has retained his spot following an impressive two-goal performance.
The 34-year-old has spent time in the VFL and also battled an ankle injury.
"I just probably wasn't launching at the ball, which is a strength," Melksham said.
"My aerial contest was a little bit off and I just needed to get back to bring my strengths, which I did a little bit of in the VFL.
"But to be fair, I'm probably a better AFL player than a VFL player."
Melksham has been thrilled with the emergence of Jacob van Rooyen, who has booted 14 goals across his past three games.
"He's got so much running power and speed so he's just starting to dominate opponents," Melksham said of the 23-year-old.
"There's nothing saying that he can't bring these type of performances to a big final series.
"I'm really proud of him and I'm really happy for him because it's been a work in progress.
"It takes a while for key forwards to come on, now he's looking confident, and he feels confident and that's a really powerful position to be in as a forward."
