HERITIER Lumumba says he has relished the opportunity to mentor some of the younger Melbourne players since crossing from Collingwood, where he played in its 2010 premiership, last year.

Lumumba said he had helped the likes of Jimmy Toumpas and Christian Salem in the pre-season.

“I'm a person who does reflect a lot and I think of times in my career where I really would have valued some mentorship in certain areas, particularly around confidence,” he said.

“I think confidence is a really big thing, particularly for our group considering the past that this football club has.

“I really try to inject positivity into the group. I can't wait to watch and play alongside guys like Jimmy Toumpas, who has had a fantastic pre-season and is really coming out of his shell.

“And Christian Salem is another one I'd like to mention as well. I've enjoyed working with all the players but I'd like to single out those guys that have really good pre-seasons. I'd like to see what they can do.”

Lumumba also praised big man Jesse Hogan, who will make his AFL debut against the Suns at the MCG on Saturday.

“I'm really excited. He's been spoken about a lot but from day one I've loved the way he's gone about his football,” he said.

“His preparation, his professionalism, his desire and competitiveness – [he has] all those things make up a good footballer.

“We've got realistic expectations and we don't want to put too much pressure on him. He'll be holding down the fort with Dawesy (Chris Dawes) out. But having said that, he knows he has a role to play and he's more than capable of doing it.”

Lumumba said Hogan was a “really confident guy” and that would show in his style of play.

“He's really confident in his ability. He's done the work and that's the main thing. He works harder than anyone at this football club. You put in the work and you get the results so I'm sure we'll see that,” he said.

Lumumba said he had “certainly” evolved as a person, as he prepares for his first match in the red and blue – and his 200^th AFL match.

“I think every day you change just through experience. Anyone would not be the same person they were yesterday and experiences do change that,” he said at AAMI Park on Thursday.