Threadbare AFL club Melbourne has become almost immune to hardship, it seems.

The Demons were faced with the possibility of finishing last for the third straight year - now it's more a certainty following an avalanche of injuries.

Key players have been cruelly struck down pre-season, throwing into turmoil any hope newly re-signed coach Dean Bailey had of resurrecting the struggling side.

But, according to skipper James McDonald, the attitude around the club is philosophical.

"What we've learnt over the last couple of years is we've had some tough times but we've stuck together really well," McDonald said.

"These sort of blokes have got that experience behind them so they know how to work through it.

"The spirits are really good. The thing about a young team is they've got plenty of enthusiasm and they move on from disappointment pretty quickly."

Melbourne meet 2008 premier Hawthorn, which have also been injury-hit, in round one and despite its low stocks, remain positive.

"Definitely, we're confident. We've done a lot of work and even through the pre-season competition we've shown good signs.

"We just need to sustain it and consistently do it but the boys are confident that this year they have improved from last year so they give themselves a good chance."

Forwards Liam Jurrah and Cale Morton and defender Daniel Bell are out indefinitely but midfielder Colin Sylvia will be back for round one or two.

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