The Demons are 4-0 - their best start to an AFL season since 1994 - despite key forward duo Ben Brown and Sam Weideman missing the early weeks of the season.

Youngster Kysaiah Pickett has been particularly electrifying for the Demons this season in attack, but Clarkson was wary of the players working alongside the second-year gun ahead of Sunday's game at the MCG.

"He's been a real livewire for them hasn't he?" Clarkson said.

"He and (Bayley) Fritsch up forward and (Jake) Melksham and others too - (Tom) McDonald has played really well for them - he (Pickett) is just one of six or seven players in their front end that will all pop up and make their contributions.

"Even little 'Chuck' (Charlie) Spargo has been doing a really good role for them in the front end.

"They're strong everywhere. That's why they sit in the top couple on the ladder and 4-0."

Melbourne have called up young key tall Harry Petty and versatile back man Michael Hibberd to fill the hole in defence caused by Steven May's eye injury - but have dropped Neville Jetta.

The Demons will be without Fritsch who fractured his hand at training, with Mitch Brown to replace the in-form goalkicker.

Veteran Shaun Burgoyne returns to Hawthorn's 22 after he was an unused medical sub against Fremantle last week, while the Hawks have named Dan Howe after he suffered an AC joint injury during the Dockers game.

Hawthorn have called upon Jacob Koschitzke, Oliver Hanrahan and Irishman Conor Nash.

Mitch Lewis will miss the game through suspension while ruckman Jon Ceglar and defender Michael Hartley have been dropped.

Young forward Tyler Brockman will also miss and has been listed as managed.

Australian Associated Press