BRENT Moloney could be excused for wondering 'what if?' more than a few times in the past few years.

The Demon midfielder was reluctantly traded away by Geelong at the end of 2004 as part of a three-way deal that sent Brad Ottens from Richmond to the Cats.

After a solid start at the Demons, Moloney was hit with a barrage of injuries and managed just 25 games in three years as his former side set itself up for one of the most successful eras in the modern day.

Meanwhile, he could only watch on helplessly as the Demons slid down to the opposite end of the ladder.

But far from contemplating what could have been, Moloney is thrilled about what the future holds the Demons, noting that there are more than a few similarities between Melbourne's current crop and the group of Geelong kids that went on to be a key part of two premierships.

Moloney arrived at the Cats one year after Steve Johnson, James Kelly and his Geelong Falcons Under 18 teammates Gary Ablett and Jimmy Bartel.

"You can't predict the future. I came to Melbourne after barracking for them my whole life. I came over when we had (David) Neitz, (Adem) Yze and (Russell) Robertson and we were a finals team," Moloney told melbournefc.com.au

"Obviously the wheel comes around and I think Melbourne are at the same stage now that Geelong was at when I was there. They had that super draft of Ablett, Bartel, Johnson and Kelly. I can see the same type of kids coming through at Melbourne now.

"I can definitely see some similarities and it's really exciting."

Moloney, who was recently appointed joint vice-captain under Brad Green, has taken it upon himself to work closely with emerging midfielders Jack Trengove, Tom Scully, Jordan Gysberts and Jordie McKenzie.

He says Scully is not fazed by recent speculation about his future.

"I think he is coping all right. We don't really speak about it too much. I don't think he reads it, he just gets along with his business. He is a professional and a great kid," he said.

Moloney says his leadership skills have improved partly due to the off-season return to Melbourne of Todd Viney, who has joined the club as a development coach.

"I was wrapt when I found out he was going to be working at the club because he was one of my boyhood heroes and I loved the way he went about it. He is a great fella as well so that helps a lot," he said.

"I've had a bit to do with him with regards to my leadership stuff. I see him regularly in his office. He works with the development on and off the field, setting guys up with life after football and being out there with skill based training."

Moloney has bounced back from the frustrating days of 2006-08 to play all but five games in the past two seasons. And if his pre-season is anything to go by, he is well placed for another durable year.

"I missed half a session in the second week in but that's about it. It's all about consistency, if I can get out on the track every day and be consistent with my training, my body and my game will look after itself," he said.

"I'm over the osteitis pubis stuff and my shoulder feels good so touch wood I can get through another full season."