MANAGER of football operations Josh Mahoney says draftees such as Angus Brayshaw and Billy Stretch won’t be held back in the VFL – if they are ready to make their AFL debut in 2015.

Speaking on 1116 SEN, Mahoney said the club wouldn’t rush the exciting young duo, but also wouldn’t place limitations on them this year.

“We’ll bring them in at the right time when they’re ready to play,” he said.

“We certainly don’t put major expectations on them, but if they’re good enough to be playing, we certainly won’t be holding them back.”

Mahoney said Brayshaw had performed strongly in a couple of VFL practice matches so far.

“Angus missed the first [NAB Challenge] with a head knock during the intra-club, before the NAB Challenge started,” he said.

“His last two games that he’s played at Casey Scorpions – he’s performed really well.

“He was our best player one week and then in our top four last week, so we’re aiming for him to have another game at Casey Scorpions [this weekend]. He’s already shown that he’s at that level already, which is a really good sign.

“He’ll be playing at different stages through this year.”

Mahoney said the fact that Stretch had already tasted senior football with Glenelg in the SANFL last year was a benefit to his game.  

“He’s played senior football for Glenelg last year and showed he can play at that level.”

Meanwhile, Mahoney said Melbourne is optimistic about its round one chances against the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG on Saturday, April 4.

“We certainly look forward to round one and think we’re better prepared than last year,” he said.

“We’ve got some individuals who are in good form and we didn’t get any major injuries out of the NAB Challenge, which was a big advantage early in the year.

“We’ve got a fit squad to choose from, but unfortunately Chris Dawes is suspended for round one, but apart from that, we’ll have a good squad to choose from and we’re going out there to win.”