Melbourne have elevated Don Cordner to legend status in their Hall of Fame as the AFL club officially celebrated their 150th anniversary.

About 1300 guests put the club's on- and off-field troubles to one side, celebrating the Demons' history at a gala function.

Cordner played 166 games for Melbourne between 1941-50, won the 1946 Brownlow Medal and played in their 1941 and '48 premiership sides.

The defender and midfielder also captained the club and won their 1943 best-and-fairest award.

He was one of three Cordner brothers who featured in the 150 Heroes, a selection of the club's best players that was announced at the dinner.

Denis and Ted Cordner also featured in the list, which included such legendary Melbourne players as Ron Barassi, Robbie Flower, Garry Lyon and Jim Stynes.

The function is a rare highlight in a disastrous year for the Demons, who are last with only one win.

There is ongoing speculation that Stynes will soon lead a takeover of power at board level.

Current chairman Paul Gardner could confirm the imminent change during the pre-game lunch at the Queen's Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood.

On Friday, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou warned that cash-strapped Melbourne might lose the annual fixture unless the game attracted at least 60,000 fans.

Meanwhile, Collingwood named key forward Anthony Rocca for the match, replacing Shannon Cox.

Rocca missed last week's slaughter of West Coast through injury after a strong game the week before in the upset of Geelong.

The Demons made three changes, including Jace Bode, Cale Morton and Jared Rivers for injured key forward Russell Robertson, James Frawley and Simon Buckley.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP