MELBOURNE defender Christian Salem has backed the "amazing" influence of veteran duo Jordan Lewis and Bernie Vince, praising their impact within a young defensive group. 

The Demons have been criticised for a lack of pace in their backline recently, with club great Garry Lyon suggesting Lewis and Vince might not be able to play in the same side.

Lyon said he was "not sure whether (Melbourne) can continue to carry" the pair of 32-year-olds, a statement both Salem and fellow youngster Christian Petracca disagreed with.

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Salem instead credited the pair's leadership abilities, both on and off the field.

"It's amazing, to be honest," Salem said at the launch of Melbourne's 'Welcome Game'.

"I've had a few years with Bernie now and this is my second year with Jordan. The experience they have and pass on, it's really helped my game."

Petracca said both Lewis and Vince compensate for their lack of pace with their game smarts, suggesting critics look beyond the stats in evaluating the pair's impact.

"I think what we really underestimate is their communication and their leadership off the back," Petracca said.

"Jordan's won four premierships and he's about to play his 300th game. What he does for the team is pretty awesome, even off the field as well. He's a really good person to talk to when things aren't going well.

"Bernie's played (more than) 200 games as well, for two different clubs. He's played in a preliminary final with Adelaide and he's got a lot of experience too.

"Those guys are really good to talk to, especially for guys like Salem who plays in the back line and wants to become a player like them." 

Petracca also backed fellow forward Jesse Hogan, who was labelled a "school fish" by goal kicking great Jonathan Brown after being held goalless for two straight matches.

Brown said that Hogan needed to return to being a "great white shark", having kicked 31 goals from his first 11 games this season in what was a fantastic start to the campaign. 

"It's a bit harsh," Petracca said. 

"He's had such an amazing year. From the adversity he came through (last year), he's having a pretty good year I reckon."