Scott West has been here before and knows how important it is to not believe the hype.

There are lofty expectations at Melbourne going into this AFL season after three years of rebuilding, the success of their debt demolition campaign and some encouraging results last year.

West, the Demons' midfield coach, saw much the same thing several times during his illustrious playing career at the Western Bulldogs.

Rising from tough times is not easy and there will be more setbacks.

The season starts for Melbourne on Sunday when they host Sydney at the MCG.

"From the Bulldogs' point of view, it's just understanding there are going to be frustrations," West said.

"Guys are still learning to play senior footy ... they still need to play together.

"Sometimes you're going to take a step or two back, because that's the nature of footy.

"You have young players in your squad who at times can be inconsistent."

The Demons have not won round one since 2005 and their pre-season form has been mediocre.

Still, they also thrashed Sydney by 73 points in round 17 last year.

"It wasn't like it was round two or three of last year," West said of that result.

"You look at it from a confidence perspective.

"But it didn't just happen, you have to go back to the process of how it happened and really concentrate on that, rather than the result."

Melbourne have focussed during their pre-season on trying to restrict opposition inside-50s.

West noted it is not easy for young players to quickly switch from offensive to defensive play, but said it was crucial that his midfielders learn how.

"There's no doubt midfield turnovers and stoppages are two of the major scoring sources in AFL at the moment," he said.

"It certainly has been a main focus."

Luke Tapscott will make his AFL debut after an injury-interrupted year at the Demons, while former Western Bulldogs defender Andrejs Everitt and newcomer Byron Sumner will play their first games for the Swans.

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