MELBOURNE Football Club chairman Paul Gardner has labeled as "pathetic" Melbourne people who criticise his administration but who aren't willing to help out the club themselves.

Speaking before his team's clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday, Gardner defended the achievements of the club's board, administration and its countless volunteers, and called on others to join the club's fight for survival.

"The people who work in our administration, the volunteers out the front selling memberships, the trainers, the coaches, the footballers…for those who stand there and criticise while not willing to put in themselves is, quite frankly, pathetic.

"So if you have an opinion or an idea, tell us. If you think we can do better, let us know. If you harbour ambitions to be on the board, or join a fundraising committee or have money to sponsor a player or volunteer for the cheer squad…then do it.

"We need members, make no mistake…but more importantly, we need every single true supporter to well and truly support…not just barrack."

Gardner, who has been chairman of the Demons since 2004, also said that anyone who believed the Demons would struggle to stay afloat in the AFL competition had a "short memory".

"The Melbourne Football Club will be back – make no mistake," Gardner said. "On the field and off the field; it may not be tomorrow, it may not even be this year … but it will be back.

"It [the club] will turn 151, then 155, then 160 and then 200. We will not be deterred by critics who offer no constructive criticism."

Melbourne was rocked in its season-opener by 104 points while off-field dramas, such as a lack of a permanent training facility and the loss of personnel from its football department, has also caused some instability.

But Gardner pointed to Melbourne's round two opponent – and in particular its club president David Smorgon – as an example to follow during this turbulent time.

Gardner paid tribute to Smorgon, saying the Bulldogs leader had "done more for the Bulldogs than any person, player or official".

"He is their heart and soul and he simply saved his club, full stop," Gardner said.

"He is incredibly generous with his time and advice and is a great personal model for myself and the Melbourne Football Club."