Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett says he's determined not to let his battle with Melbourne president Don McLardy turn into a personal slanging match.

Kennett has said he's willing and able to lead the Demons out of their current plight if the club's members oust McLardy's board and make him president.

McLardy responded on Monday by listing reasons he believed the former Hawthorn president wouldn't be suitable, including Kennett's passion for the Hawks and his past comments suggesting Melbourne should merge or relocate.

McLardy also took a shot at Kennett's political record, saying there were good reasons he was voted out of office and Kennett's recent comments about Melbourne indicated he was the only person who still hadn't worked out what those reasons were.

Kennett said on Tuesday he wouldn't get personal in response, as his only concern was for the Demons brand.

"Don's under a lot of pressure," Kennett told AAP.

"This has never been, from my point of view, personal.

"I respect Don and I respect the members of his board individually.

"Don has done a wonderful job in supporting his former president Jimmy Stynes.

"He's graciously stepped up to the plate after Jim stood down.

"He's taken over from Jim at (youth support foundation) Reach, so as a human being he's been more than decent."

Kennett said McLardy had done the job to the best of his ability.

"But my concern remains for the Melbourne Football Club and importantly for the brand Melbourne, which we all have a vested interest in," he said.

"It doesn't matter what club you support, Melbourne is the name given to our capital city.

"We're all proud of our state, we're proud of our city, we want our brand Melbourne to do well wherever it is utilised."

McLardy on Monday announced an internal review of the Demons board, to be finalised by the end of June.

He again refused to give any assurance about the future of coach Mark Neeld, whose record sunk to six wins from 33 matches with Monday's 83-point thrashing from Collingwood.

The Demons drew a home crowd of just 50,835, their lowest for the annual Queen's Birthday fixture since 2000.

Adding to their plight, key forward Chris Dawes injured an ankle, a significant blow given fellow marking target Mitch Clark (foot) is already sidelined and might not play again this season.