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In-form Demon Christian Petracca could go head-to-head with AFL superstar Dustin Martin in Melbourne's AFL litmus test against Richmond.

Melbourne stalwart Nathan Jones has backed Christian Petracca to take it up to Richmond superstar Dustin Martin ahead of their bumper Anzac Day-eve AFL clash.

Explosive midfielder Petracca has averaged 28.4 disposals, 1.4 goals and a whopping 9.4 score involvements per game in the Demons' first 5-0 start to a season since 1994.

The Demons will face a stern test of their credentials on Saturday night against the reigning premiers, who have a five-game winning streak against Melbourne dating back to 2016.

The game also presents the prospect of a salivating match-up between Petracca and Martin, who'll be playing his 250th AFL match.

"I hope so (they'll go head-to-head) - that's the big ticket to Saturday night, isn't it?" Jones said.

"I think (Petracca will) relish that opportunity - I'm excited for him.

"It's a big game for them, it's (Martin's) 250th and to see him and Trac go head-to-head would be awesome. Absolutely (Petracca will be ready for it)."

Jones, who will play his 300th game against the Tigers, said the unbeaten Demons were a more mature and well-rounded team than the outfit that blitzed their way to a preliminary-final appearance in 2018.

"I've never got as excited as everyone else about '18, really - I feel like we just got on a run late in the season," Jones said.

"Ultimately I think the core of the group's pretty similar - what you're seeing now is the reflection of a group that's now more mature and understand what it takes.

"Back in '18 we were being heavily criticised midway through the season that we hadn't really beaten anyone and I think it was a run of six or eight games that got us into finals and then winning finals, but this year's different.

"... There's pressure for selection and there's consistency with form and the longer we do that - that's what breeds a strong culture and a strong team."

While Melbourne were far from convincing against Hawthorn until their last-quarter goals avalanche, they are flush with depth and face some big selection calls.

Key forwards Sam Weideman (seven goals) and Ben Brown (three goals) staked their claims for senior recalls earlier on Sunday with strong VFL performances.

But fellow forwards Tom McDonald, Luke Jackson and Mitch Brown all did their jobs in the senior side.

Coach Simon Goodwin said fellow forward Bayley Fritsch and defender Steven May also could return from injury.