Melbourne genuine flag chance says Sheahan

Mike Sheahan believes Melbourne is a genuine chance of breaking a 53-year drought and winning a fairytale flag this year.

The newspaper legend told SEN Breakfast Simon Goodwin's men have what it takes to secure the club's first premiership since 1964.

Boasting their best side of the season, the seventh-placed Demons outclassed top-four aspirant Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.

"I would say right now if they can finish top four they're a genuine chance,'' Sheahan said.

Essendon champion Tim Watson echoed Sheahan's sentiments.

"After what we saw the Bulldogs do last year and the fact that nobody has put their hand up really and said 'OK we are the number one team that's almost impossible to beat.'

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon said Jack Viney's triumphant return from foot surgery inspired the Demons.

Viney paired a game-high 10 clearances with 25 touches, seven tackles and six inside 50s.

"It's mindset that he drives, and I don't know how verbal he is in terms of communicating it, but within three minutes he was in the middle of everything,'' he said.

"The mail out of Melbourne was this was the one, they set themselves, physically they were right, they were switched on.

"With a young team that can fluctuate, if you could guarantee that was going to happen every week.. and that's happening more and more - they've won six of their last eight."

Watson said he was surprised opposition teams hadn't tried to curb the influence of play maker Michael Hibberd who's been a sensation since crossing from the Bombers.

"I think it's coming because his influence has been really profound,'' Lyon said.

"And I know I'm a broken record but he's had another 30, Clayton Oliver. This is a kid playing his second year who just keeps getting 30 in the heat."