Hospitalised Melbourne legend Jim Stynes has again urged the struggling AFL club to be positive as he battles cancer.

Stynes announced on Thursday that he was standing down as Demons chairman because of his illness and he has since undergone surgery.

Acting chairman Don McLardy said he had spoken to Stynes on Saturday in the lead-up to the MCG match against West Coast.

"Jimmy rang me about 15 minutes ago from his hospital bed, so Mr Indestructible is still ongoing," McLardy told the pre-game lunch.

"He said he's feeling pretty good, he's had a major operation - I suspect drugs are having a lot to do with his state of mind, but he seemed pretty good to me.

"Jim told me 'stay positive' so we will.

"Thousands of messages have been put on the Melbourne club website in support of Jim and I have been swamped by phone calls."

Stynes took over as Demons chairman last year and his outstanding playing career at Melbourne earned him membership in the AFL Hall Of Fame.

He also works extensively with disadvantaged youth and is a two-time Victorian of the Year.

News of his illness was a massive shock to Melbourne and the wider AFL.

McLardy said it had been a tough week for the club, with long-time supporter Peter Kopke suffering a stroke and former player Steven Smith losing a daughter to illness.

Demons coach Dean Bailey said on Friday that Stynes would be major motivation for the team against the Eagles.

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