YOUNG Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan is as "exciting" as everyone thinks he's going to be, says teammate Jack Viney.

 Viney is well informed to make that call, having seen what the 18-year-old is capable of up close this pre-season.

Hogan kicked 39 goals in 15 games to take home the best and fairest award at the Demons' VFL affiliate, the Casey Scorpions, in his first season of senior football in 2013.

It's a feat that has already generated a massive amount of hype, but Viney told AFL.com.au he is confident his contemporary can live up to the expectations.

"He's a massive excitement. Winning the best and fairest in the VFL last year as an 18-year-old is unbelievable," Viney said.

"I played VFL the year before like he did, as a bottom-ager, and I was nowhere near the kind of standard that he was at."

"To think about what kind of impact he could have at AFL level is exciting."

Despite new Melbourne coach Paul Roos vowing to take a cautious approach with the club's young players, Viney said Hogan was eager to make his debut from the outset.

"He's training at the moment to play round one. That's the goal that he's got in mind and he's really keen on making that happen," Viney said.

With the disappointment and carnage of last season in mind, it's hard to believe Viney – who carried himself like a 10-year veteran in 2013 – is heading into just his second season in the AFL.

The 19-year-old has had an interrupted start to his pre-season, with some lingering foot and hip issues restricting his training.

As is his way, Viney was happy to carry a large chunk of the midfield load last season. However, the foot and hip injuries are proof it eventually took its toll.

The club has identified the need to be smarter with how it manages its players and Viney is part of that plan.

Coach Paul Roos has spoken with Viney about his role for next season and rather than burning him out through the midfield, the youngster will spend more time at half-forward in 2014.

As Viney explained, he sees it as a chance to develop his football in different areas on the ground.

And he stressed he's not going to forget about his leadership capabilities.

"I'm not seeing it as a step back, as such. I'm still going to be voicing my opinions; it's not like I'm going back to being a first-year player," Viney said.

"I don't feel this year I need to take a step back and regress; if anything, I'm progressing.

"I'm still going to speak my mind and try to be a leader whenever I can."

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie