Brent Moloney is determined to remain a key on-field leader for Melbourne, despite being stripped of the vice-captaincy.

The star onballer says last month's alcohol-related incident which led to him losing his place in the AFL team's leadership group has not affected his focus.

Moloney was celebrating a win over Brisbane when he was asked to leave a Melbourne nightclub around 2.30am on April 11.

He left without incident, but the other members of Melbourne's leadership group decided Moloney, who admitted he had a problem with binge-drinking, deserved punishment and the club agreed.

"Nothing's changed for me. I believe you don't need a title to lead," Moloney said ahead of Friday night's crunch game with fifth-placed Carlton at the MCG.

"Ever since whatever happened, the focus has been just to keep leading the way I was and keep driving these young guys to try to get the most out of them.

"I want to be back in the leadership group and I'd love to be vice-captain again. That's a goal of mine."

The Demons have dropped to 10th following Saturday's loss to St Kilda.

Melbourne have been hurt by the suspension of onballer Jack Trengove and several key injuries including ruckman Mark Jamar, who's out for another month with a knee problem.

Moloney said taking on the Blues would be a great challenge.

"They are red hot at the moment," said Moloney, 27.

"We're really going to know where we're at after the game."

Melbourne, who face top-four sides Essendon and Collingwood in the following two rounds, are hoping 2009 No.1 draft pick Tom Scully will make a quick return to senior ranks.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been troubled by a knee injury and will play in the VFL this weekend.

Scully was eighth in the club's best and fairest award in his debut season in 2010.

"We all want to see him out there but he probably needs a game down there (VFL) to see how he goes," Moloney said.

"It would be pretty tough for him to come back after having seven or eight weeks off, to come into a big game on a Friday night."

One of Melbourne's ruck greats, club president Jim Stynes, will play an off-field role on Friday night.

Stynes will sing alongside Olivia Newton-John to raise money for the Grease star's Cancer and Wellness Centre.

"Jim's an inspiration to us all," Moloney said of the 1991 Brownlow Medallist who's battling cancer.

However Moloney said the Irishman's singing ability was in doubt.

"We've heard he's not too great."

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