Melbourne No.1 draft pick Tom Scully says he has been untroubled by the spotlight of entering the AFL as the top-rated player of his age group.

The 18-year-old has made a superb start to his career, earning this week's AFL Rising Star nomination after a standout 39-disposal game in last Friday night's four-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

His Melbourne teammate and 2008 No.1 pick Jack Watts has so far struggled to justify his top billing - outshone by West Coast sensation Nic Naitanui, taken at No.2 that year.

But Scully, who has played all seven games this season while Watts still has just three AFL games to his name, said he has not felt any pressure to justify the Demons' faith.

"That's all external pressure, internally in the club there's been no extra pressure, I'm the same as any other young player that's drafted to the club," Scully said.

"You've had to earn your right to play in the senior team and earn the respect of the players and coaching staff.

"I haven't felt any extra pressure from the club."

He said it helped sharing the experience with last November's No.2 pick Jack Trengove - who has also played all seven games so far in his debut season and was the round five Rising Star nominee.

"Having Jack Trengove alongside has made it a lot easier, having that one and two status," he said.

"As I said, once we're down the club no one puts anyone higher or in any pecking order, so that hasn't been really relevant.

"It's been good having Jack alongside to go through it together and with Jack Watts last year, we've got three young guys, and other guys like Jack Grimes and Cale Morton that have come through as reasonably high draft picks."

The young pair's fine career starts have been significant factors in Melbourne's improvement this season, after spending the past two years as wooden spooners.

Scully is averaging 21 possessions a game, with Friday night's 39, in difficult wet conditions, comfortably his highest.

Coach Dean Bailey said the teenager's early impact was partly due to his meticulous preparation and hard work, with his handling of the tough conditions also a testament to his skill.

"All Melbourne fans can look forward to his further development in the years to come," Bailey said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP