MELBOURNE has opted to rest youngsters Angus Brayshaw and James Harmes for the club's trip to play Fremantle at Domain Stadum in Perth on Sunday.

The decision to give the pair a week off comes as coach Paul Roos calls on his side to play "angry" against the top-of-the-table Dockers.

Roos said a more aggressive mindset from his players was needed in future.

"I'd like to see our players get angry," Roos told the club's website.

"Sometimes what happens with our playing group – they start feeling sorry for themselves.

"We as a group of coaches and players have got to start getting angry when we lose – angry at each other, angry at the coaches and angry at the players – and get angry and get really fired up for the next week.

"That's something that we’ll really look to address in the off-season as a coaching group, but I’d love to see the players get angry and come out and play angry on the weekend." 

Brayshaw, pick No.3 in last year's draft, has not missed a game in his first season, while Harmes has played seven consecutive games after being elevated off the rookie list ahead of the club's round 15 game with Essendon. 

"[We need to be mindful] of our young players. I've already spoken to Harmesy and Angus about resting them this weekend," Roos said. 

"I've seen St Kilda do it and even the Bulldogs have done it. We need to do it and [take] care of the players. They are getting tired, particularly the younger ones, so we’ll rest James and Angus this week and try and freshen them up. 

"Then within the confines of the restrictions we do have – just try and pick the best possible team we can for Freo."