MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has indicated that Demon young gun Cale Morton has been desperately unlucky to have missed an NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Morton, the fourth player selected in last year's draft, has had a fine year and was among Melbourne's best in its defeat of West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

Accumulating a career-high 30 disposals, he did his prospects of securing a nomination in the remaining weeks of the season no harm.

And his latest performance encouraged the media to ask Bailey whether the West Australian should have been acknowledged by now.

'Yes' was his theme.

"Cale's been very good for the whole year," Bailey said.

"He's a class act and a great kid and we're lucky he's in a Melbourne jumper.

"He's going to be a 10-year player and he's been very, very good for us."

Morton made his debut for the Demons in round one and has played 17 out of a possible 20 matches.

Saturday's effort was by far his most convincing, even topping his show against Essendon a fortnight ago that threatened an upset victory.

"Cale's been consistent for the whole year. We've managed him particularly well and our medical staff and fitness staff have been very good in ensuring that he plays enough game-time.

"There is always a temptation to over play him and he's a good decision-maker.

"He's been very good for us for the whole year – not just on the weekend … when he's contributed goals against Geelong in round three and he played very well against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium."