IT HAS been a tough start to the season for Melbourne, with a string of poor performances mounting the pressure on its coach and players.

There have been few shining lights among seven losses and only one win for the Demons, but the form of Mitch Clark, Colin Sylvia and co-captain Jack Grimes has left the Demon fans with some hope of a form turnaround in the near future.

Unfortunately for the Demons, however, not one of those players will represent Melbourne when it takes on ladder leaders Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

Sylvia will miss the game through suspension, serving the final week of his three-game ban.

He was suspended for striking Gold Coast’s Jared Brennan in his team’s Round 7 loss to the Suns at the MCG.

Clark, Melbourne’s number one forward is out for an extended period with a foot injury.

He was Melbourne’s best player the last time the Demons played Hawthorn, in Round 7 last season.

He booted three goals for the game, and proved a lone hand in a forward line that only managed to kick six goals for the game.

Clark has kicked seven goals in just four matches this season.

Co-captain Grimes injured his shoulder in the opening term of the loss to Carlton.

With the Demons having one of the youngest sides in the competition, losing one of their more experienced players, let alone a captain is a huge blow.

Grimes provides great run off half back and has spent time in the midfield as well this season. He averages 18 disposals per game but the leadership he provides his young teammates is unmeasurable.

Clark and Grimes were named in the best players in the Round 7 game against Hawthorn last season.