MELBOURNE defender James Frawley says the Demons are desperate to be competitive in their last three games, so that Todd Viney's stint as caretaker coach does not become a black mark on his football resume.

The Demons suffered a 48-point loss to West Coast at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, the defeat coming a week after they copped a 74-point hiding from Carlton in Viney's first match in charge.

But Frawley said Viney has had a positive influence on the players and they now want to repay him for taking charge in the wake of Dean Bailey's sacking.

The Demons play Richmond, Gold Coast and Port Adelaide in the last three rounds of the season.

"I suppose the playing group wants to do everything they can for Todd and get a few wins for him," the All Australian defender said at AAMI Park on Monday.

"In the future, he might to want to coach and I suppose he'll need a good resume down the track."

Frawley said Viney had put the heat on many of Melbourne's big names since he took over.

"He's pretty harsh, straight down the line. He tells you how it is," Frawley said.

"If you're not playing well he'll let you know what you need to work on. He's been good."

Despite being shown the door after Melbourne's record-breaking 186-point loss to Geelong at Skilled Stadium in round 19, Bailey had only praise for the players when he spoke about the Demons' situation on SEN radio over the weekend.

"They will play finals in 2012, no doubt about that," Bailey said.

"Don't worry about what the fixture or what the draw says. They will play finals next year in 2012 and then anything can happen after that.

"Collingwood Football Club has a big [premiership] window - it is like a big bi-fold that has just opened up.

"I'm convinced that Melbourne will have that bi-fold.

"When they do win [a flag] it will be fantastic, not only for the competition but for everyone who keeps talking about 1964."

Frawley was glad to hear such positive words for his former coach.

"I suppose it's a good sign. It's good that he's still sticking by and has faith that we can improve and get better," he said.