MELBOURNE president Don McLardy has dismissed suggestions Demons co-captain Jack Trengove is struggling to cope with his leadership responsibilities.

Trengove, 20, and fellow youngster Jack Grimes, 23, were appointed joint skippers this season, replacing Brad Green.

Trengove became the youngest captain in AFL/VFL history when he and Grimes led the Demons against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG in round one.

Recruited from Sturt as the No.2 pick in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, the midfielder has played all seven games this season but has averaged just 16 disposals.

Compounding matters, his side is still winless and on the bottom of the AFL ladder - a character and leadership test for the most experienced of leaders.

But McLardy defended his developing leader, who he described as "a fine young man".

"You start to get used to the cheap shots after a while," he told 3AW on Wednesday night.

"If anyone spent any time with Jack Trengove, you would understand he's an extremely mature young man who I don’t think is struggling to cope; I think he knows exactly what's going on.

"Does he need experience in the role? Clearly, yeah. But I think he's taking it head-on and moving forward.

"His form's probably been middle-of-the-road, but I've got the utmost confidence in Jack."