BERNIE Vince has leapt to the defence of young forward Jesse Hogan, saying the delivery into the forward line had not been up to scratch in the first two weeks of the season.

"I don't think so," Vince said when asked whether Hogan's on-field behaviour was an issue. "I'd be pretty frustrated with the way the ball's coming in (to the forward line).

"I don't think it's a problem – it's probably our fault."

Hogan, who is contracted until the end of 2017, has decided to put off contract talks with Melbourne until the end of this season.

Melbourne is fully supportive of Hogan's decision to recommence negotiations at the end of the 2016 season.

The West Australian was actively pursued, by Fremantle in particular, before he inked a three-year deal with Melbourne back in July 2014.