It's not the first time the Melbourne Demons have been called "a little bit disturbing" this season.

But Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews has used the description for all the right reasons before Sunday's AFL clash at the Gabba.

The Demons are having a hell of a year.

They are winless after five rounds.

A betting agency has coach Dean Bailey odds-on favourite to be the first coach sacked.

They are even offering $4 for the Demons to go through 2008 without a win.

But Matthews has seen some signs of life from the Demons - and it couldn't have come at a worse time for the four-time premiership coach.

Matthews was at the MCG last weekend when the Demons threatened Carlton in the second quarter before Chris Judd took over.

They also banged in five late goals but the Blues had already shut up shop.

While the Demons lost by 33 points - their fifth straight defeat - Matthews said the Lions were wary of being burnt by the Demons.

"Last week they played good patches which is a little bit disturbing," Matthews said.

"They had a couple of 15 minute bursts where they were actually pretty good.

"They are a side that has been pounded all over the place because things haven't gone well for them.

"When the opposition hasn't been going so well they are less predictable because they will try different issues."

Melbourne will be without captain David Neitz (neck) for at least eight weeks.

Matthews said his absence would make the Demons "less predictable".

"Neitz hasn't been playing well but he's obviously capable of playing well, but he's also predictable," he said.

"You know he is going to play big full forward and if he marks the ball he's good and if he doesn't he's not so good, and for most of the year he really hasn't been doing it."

The Demons have welcomed back forward Brad Miller from suspension for Sunday's clash.

"Joel Patfull has done quite well on Russell Robertson a couple of times, that has been a pretty good match-up," Matthews said.

"And the rest of their forward line is not one that has been there for years.

"They will have to replace Neitz with somebody, their forward line structure is a bit less predictable."

Cameron Bruce and James McDonald are Melbourne's co-captains.

Brisbane Lions onballer Travis Johnstone will play Melbourne for the first time since being traded from his former home of 10 years.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP