Ahead of Saturday's home clash against Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne have surged to second place on the table on the back of six wins from the past seven matches.

While much of the focus has been on the form of Thompson and Carlos Hernandez, the experienced players have heaped praise on performances of the likes of Mate Dugandzic and Nathan Elasi.

"They've got young engines, so they can pretty much run all day - it makes up for us old buggers who can't make that last 10 metres," Thompson joked. "They are exciting young players."

Thompson said the bar has been lifted for the senior players at Melbourne who not only have to fight for their positions but also have to ensure that the younger players continue to develop.

"With the leadership group, myself, Musky (Kevin Muscat), Brebsy (Grant Brebner), this is where we have to show our leadership and experience to the younger guys if times start to get tough," he said.

"But I think we're really enjoying the way they are playing at the moment, the confidence we have and the confidence the young guys have is great for us."

Thompson has taken Elasi under his wing and the two now share a room when Melbourne are on the road.

A regular in underage national squads, Elasi has been given his chance in recent weeks coming on as a sub in three A-League games.

"He's a threat when he came on and that's what you really like from your subs, for them to make an impact on the game," said Thompson. "He definitely did (against Perth), he set the goal up for Carlos, great finish."

Thompson said the main lesson he can impart on Elasi is to not let missed chances, such as the one which he squandered against Perth, affect his confidence.

"He's now my roomie and I'm always stirring him about how I'm moulding him to be like me," he said. "I've given him some stick about missing those goals, but it's about him being in those positions.

"He's starting to mature as a player - I really rate him highly."

Elasi said that Thompson's advice and company has helped him develop this season.

"You see a different side of him once you're stuck in the room with him. He's the one I look up to in the end. He helps me out," Elasi said.

Dugandzic has earned rave reviews in the past month after a breakout two-goal performance against Adelaide.

Vargas said the young attacking midfielder's energy has sparked the club during a time when a mounting injury toll could have affected morale.

"He came on against Newcastle and changed the game for us with his energy, his run, his confidence and willingness to take on players, his work ethic, " said Vargas.

"He's only a young boy, but for us older fellas it's uplifting to see a young boy with a lot of confidence come in and do a job."