Melbourne chairman Jim Stynes has urged Demons supporters to put up their cash to save the AFL club, but vowed they would never abandon their home in his tenure.

The Demons this week took $2 million off their $5 million debt thanks to the generosity of their high-rolling supporters at a fundraising night, but Stynes said more support was needed to wipe off the club's crippling debt.

"You need to understand that this year and this last four weeks is crucial in the survival of the football club," Stynes said at the pre-game dinner before Melbourne took on Geelong at the MCG.

"Even though ... we had this big night on Tuesday, don't think that this job is over.

"We have a $5 million debt that we need to deal with this year.

"If we let it go on this year or the year after we will lose that much pace with the rest it's not funny.

"This is really serious, and I ask you and I plead with all of you, that if you can give us something to help us survive this year so we can get back on track, it will go a long way.

"If we can start next year (without) this crippling, interest payment hanging on our ankles, then we'll be able to get back in the game and will be a lot closer to getting back in the black, and we'll do it fast."

Although committed to turning around Melbourne's on- and off-field fortunes, Stynes echoed the sentiments of club legend Ron Barassi, who on Thursday said he would rather see the Demons die than be forced to merge with another club or relocate interstate.

"I loved Ron's words when he said Melbourne will either survive in this town or it will not survive at all and that's the line I've taken," Stynes said.

"For anyone out there, I will not be part of this football club if we need to move or merge."

Stynes announced at the dinner Melbourne's major sponsor Volvo had committed to another season.

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