MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld has put his team on notice - perform during the NAB Cup or risk missing out on round one selection.

Speaking on the Gold Coast ahead of Saturday night's first round of the pre-season competition, Neeld said he was still learning about his new Demons outfit.

He said the NAB Cup would "determine everything" for the season opener and the players needed to impress him.

"I haven't coached these boys before against another opponent," Neeld said at a joint press conference with Suns' coach Guy McKenna.

 "I've got an idea, but those ideas will be formed over the next month.
 
"I cannot honestly tell you what our round one team will look like, so the boys are aware of that and will try and put their best foot forward tomorrow night."

Melbourne will open its NAB Cup campaign against Gold Coast and the Brisbane Lions in what are likely to be wet conditions at Metricon Stadium.

Neeld said that despite the Demons facing the Lions again in round one on March 31, it would have no impact on how they approached Saturday night's fixture.

"The players need to get out there and impress to make sure they're a chance to be selected in round one," he said.

"It's a month of playing that will help instil a new game plan. Being a new coach, we're probably going to change the way that Melbourne have been playing, so we need to get out there and practise that as often as we can."

Mitch Clark will return to Queensland for the first time since leaving the Lions for Melbourne in the off-season, but Neeld said he expected few fireworks.

"I'm of the opinion that type of stuff belongs and lives on the other side of the fence," he said.

"The fans are the ones that have that true passion for the game and passion for their club.

"There might be the odd boo from there, and there'll be - more often than not in today's footy - humorous comments from his ex-teammates more than anything else."

Rain drenched the Gold Coast for most of Friday and is expected to continue during Saturday night's matches.