CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says Fremantle is the perfect opponent for Melbourne to start its 2015 campaign against.

Speaking at Fremantle Oval on Wednesday afternoon, Jones said “there was no better team to challenge ourselves against” than Fremantle in Melbourne’s first NAB Challenge match.

“Freo is one of our really respected opponents,” he said.

“We love the way they go about their footy and we think it’s a great opportunity because they’re playing a pretty strong side.

“It’s a chance for us to test ourselves against a team that’s going to be up there again this year in the season and against a team we really respect.”

Meanwhile, the three-time best and fairest winner said young-gun Jesse Hogan was champing at the bit to play after missing last year with a back injury.

“You’ll see a really young, talented forward. He’s got a terrific work rate and he’s a real competitive beast. He loves mixing it and getting involved in a contest and making a contest,” Jones said.

“He’s a really well-rounded player and he’s still got some things to learn, but as far as a talent – he’s one of the best I’ve seen.

“That’s why there is so much excitement surrounding him and all we expect from him at this stage is to come out and play his role and just continue to learn as much as he can.

“I’m sure he’ll do some pretty exciting things. As long as he does his role for the team – that’s the number one thing for us.”