Ling - who also told AFL.com.au he wasn't sure about a possible coaching career in the future - addressed the young players at Ormond College on Thursday.

AFL.com.au was on hand as the squad was treated to a talk from Ling before its impending trip to New Zealand on Friday morning.

The former Cat spoke about what it is to be a leader and the importance of setting an example for teammates.

"They've really got to enjoy their footy and be passionate about it," Ling said after the session.

"But, what I was saying to them is, if they're going to do it and make it to where they want to get to, it takes a lot of hard work and real commitment and discipline to improve."

Ling said it was important to develop good habits and make the most of any opportunities.

However, he acknowledged the need to treat each player on a case-by-case basis.

"You see a Joel Selwood come in straight away and you unfairly, sometimes, expect every kid who comes through the system to be like that," he said.

"But kids learn at different rates and the penny drops sometimes a little bit later."

Ling was part of the 1997 intake and he captained the team in 1998.

This year, he will mix his responsibilities as a broadcaster on Channel 7 with a part-time leadership consultancy role at North Melbourne this season.

He was highly sought after for an assistant coaching position at the end of last year, but ultimately decided to focus on other commitments.

Ling sees his role at the Kangaroos in simple terms and is unsure, at this stage, whether he will venture in to a more formal coaching role in the future.

"It's something I'll ease in to over time and I'll help out their young leaders as best I can," he said.

"They're a good young group who are really motivated and really driven to try and improve.

"I enjoy working with motivated people who want to really get the best out of themselves and really want to help the team."

The Cameron Ling Medal, which was instituted in 2012, is presented to the level one academy player who displays the key character traits that are closely associated with the three-time premiership Cat – courage, versatility and humour.

Past winners of the medal include Lloyd Perris (2012) and Hugh Goddard (2013).

The Ling medal is the equivalent of the level two presentation of the Ben Mitchell Medal.

The level one squad departs for New Zealand on Friday morning for a nine-day tour, culminating in a game between the Australian under-17 team and the New Zealand Hawks at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on January 25.

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie