A HUNGRY Melbourne will do everything in its power to rediscover its mojo against Essendon at the MCG on Friday night, co-captain Jack Viney says.

In a crunch contest for the two winless sides, Viney said his team was eager to atone for an 80-point smashing at the hands of Geelong.

"Both teams trying to find form. Two hungry teams. We're really desperate to find that groove again," Viney said after the loss to the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.

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"We're not going to shy away from what comes our way. We're going to own it and get back to work, roll up the sleeves and get it back."

Viney said despite the result the side had made some key improvements on a disappointing round one showing against Port Adelaide.

"I think there were positives that came out of today (Saturday night) which we'll keep building on, and I think it gives us confidence going into next week," he said.

Even though you get smashed on the scoreboard, I still feel like it was a step forward in getting our brand of football back.

"I'm sure that kind of comment might not sit well with a few people but that's how I see it.

"We need to complement that contested brand of football with a bit of polish on those inside 50s, but in terms of getting back from last week, I think it was better."

Viney was one of 13 Melbourne players to have post-season surgery, but the co-skipper is not using that as an excuse for Melbourne's slow start to the year.

"The guys that had surgery had optimal time to prepare and get ready for the season, so I don't see that as playing any factor," Viney said.

The co-captain had an icepack on his troublesome right foot during the post-game interview, but he said the treatment was only precautionary after he underwent ankle surgery at the end of 2018.

Viney's form against the Cats also trended upward with the co-captain gathering 27 disposals – 17 more than he racked up against the Power in round one.

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