Melbourne forward Ben Brown believes the sky is the limit for teammate Kysaiah Pickett when the exciting speedster returns from his two-match AFL ban for rough conduct.
Pickett starred in the Demons' 50-point torching of the Western Bulldogs in round one but landed in hot water over a high bump on Bailey Smith.
The 21-year-old will miss clashes with fellow flag fancies Brisbane and Sydney over the next fortnight.
The suspension presents as a speed-bump for Pickett after his sparkling opening to the season, when he kicked four goals from 19 disposals against the Bulldogs.
He also had 11 score involvements, eight tackles and three clearances, earning praise from coach Simon Goodwin and teammates for setting the standard with his defensive acts.
"Kossie's ceiling is as high as anyone's in the league," Brown told AAP.
"The way he plays is just so electric and the fans love coming to watch him play.
"I love watching him in the same forward line and when he goes in the midfield he gives us a spark too.
"It's exciting and hopefully he's got a big year ahead."
Brown also singled out Charlie Spargo for his work in the front half against the Bulldogs as fellow emerging talents Kade Chandler and Jake Bowey impressed.
Bailey Laurie and Judd McVee also showed positive signs on debut.
And with premiership quartet Bayley Fritsch (foot), Christian Salem (thyroid), Jack Viney (knee) and Steven May (calf) all rated good chances to return from injury against Brisbane on Friday night, Brown backed the Demons to cover the temporary loss of Pickett.
"We've got some great depth and we've got some good young players that are itching to get a go," Brown said.
"Bailey Laurie's a good example. He was battling away for a year or two in the twos and comes in and plays really well.
"It's exciting for the next guy that comes in if that chance opens up."
Brown said Melbourne's ability to withstand a stern challenge from the Bulldogs was a step forward from last season, when they threw away a string of games after holding convincing leads.
"We were really challenged with that and at times, particularly during the second quarter, the Bulldogs had the game on their terms," Brown said.
"We needed to reset and we were able to do that really well.
"As the second half progressed, it really felt like we wore them down and to be able to do that was a win for us."
