MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Grimes says teammate Mitch Clark is hopeful of facing his former club, the Brisbane Lions, at the Gabba on Sunday.

Clark injured his foot during Sunday's win against Greater Western Sydney and was subbed from the ground at half-time.

Grimes said he had spoken to the key forward on Monday morning and Clark remained confident he would be fine, although the extent of his foot injury would not be known until scans were assessed.

The spearhead has been a standout performer for the Demons in 2012, kicking 29 goals in 11 games.

Grimes said Clark should be proud of his efforts so far this season, with his contribution off the field not to be underestimated. 

"[He] demands so much of us players and he really has that presence on the field as well," Grimes said. "He's kicking a lot of goals but he is doing a lot more off the field as well."

If Clark is deemed fit to play, he will be returning to the Gabba for the first time after six years and 82 games with the Lions.

The first round draft pick surprised his former club when he signed with Melbourne. He had originally indicated that he wanted to return to his hometown Perth to play with Fremantle.

Grimes expects Clark to cop a similar reception from the Gabba crowd as the one given to former Demon Tom Scully on Sunday. But he does not think he will be fussed.

"I think he'll be ready for that and he'll be looking forward to getting that out of the way," Grimes said.

Melbourne's two worst losses for the season have come outside Victoria, with the Eagles and Sydney Swans both defeating the Dees by more than 100 points.

Grimes said it was critical for the team to get off to a good start to quieten the hometown crowd. However, he senses the team is playing much more consistent football and the players are looking forward to testing themselves against the Lions.

"They're flying at the moment," Grimes said. "[They are] playing really good footy and going up to their home ground as well, so we will try to attack them the way they attacked us in round one."