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The Demons were due to receive only $250,000 next season, but president Jim Stynes made a pitch to the AFL for significantly more a fortnight ago.

Stynes is expecting a final call on the level of assistance at next month's AFL Commission hearing.

Although Stynes refused to confirm the amount the Demons are chasing, the Herald Sun believes the club settled on a $2 million request.

If the commission approves the request, the Demons will surpass the Western Bulldogs' $1.7 million assistance in 2009.

Stynes has pledged to work closely with the league.

"We really need the AFL to support us," Stynes said.

The AFL has announced it is tightening its belt because of the global financial crisis, but the Demons' chances of an unprecedented cash injection have not been harmed by the Stynes board being so prudent.

Melbourne will pay only 92.5 per cent of the salary cap next year and has launched other cost-cutting measures.

"We've really cut back. We've really reduced our costs," Stynes said.

"We've demonstrated what we can do, but we've still got to grow the business."

The Demons are heading for a 2008 loss of more than $2 million, with an announcement expected soon.

The $3 million raised under the Debt Demolition campaign will not be thrown into the mix but be used, as promised, to pay off the debt.

"We will make sure we keep the Debt Demolition money separate even though it has reduced our losses for this year," Stynes said. "Really, the business made a loss, a significant loss. People have donated just to reduce debt."

The Demons received $1 million from the AFL this year.

"We're in a really tough economic climate. It's incredible how things have turned in six months," Stynes said.

The Demons are still without a major backer, and almost certain No. 1 draft pick Jack Watts will not have a sponsor's logo on his shirt when he fronts the cameras on Saturday.

Stynes, who has been in a caretaker role, will officially become president at the club's annual general meeting, expected to be held in January.

The rest of his new team will be re-elected unopposed.

Nominations for the board closed last Wednesday, with no challengers emerging.

Avoiding an election has saved the club about $50,000 in mail-outs and logistics.

"It's great we can get on with the business we need to do because there's a fair bit ahead of us," Stynes said.

The Demons had considered announcing their No. 1 draft pick on Friday to maximise their exposure.

But it is understood the AFL wanted to maintain at least some element of surprise.

"We fully expect Melbourne to announce it on the day," AFL media manager Patrick Keane said.