The Suns have lost their last 12 games to the Demons and are 3-15 overall against the Victorian powerhouse that Hardwick acknowledged is "on the hot plate" after a 0-2 start.
Hardwick's side had a bye last week that followed a club record 87-point defeat of West Coast in Perth.
Another win for the Demons on Saturday would equal the AFL's longest active winning streak over a rival club, currently held by Geelong over North Melbourne.
In their only regular-season trip to the MCG, Hardwick sees the contest as a chance to make a statement.
"We're playing a side that's probably on the hot plate a little bit this week," he said on Thursday.
"They probably haven't been to the level they like but on their home deck, an enormous challenge.
"They've got an incredible record over our football club so that's something we're looking to change.
"We have to take that first step, get out the front door, get off the porch and meet them in the street."
Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn was kept quiet by Kangaroos opposite Tristan Xerri on the weekend, prompting coach Simon Goodwin to say there was a "back story" to his star's below-par performance.
Goodwin on Thursday conceded he should have "put a sock in it", explaining Gawn had been dealing with a family illness.
Hardwick felt for his counterpart.
"He's very protective of his players, it was from the right place," Hardwick said of Goodwin.
"If he had his time again he'd do it a bit differently, but it came from a place of care and love."Â
Hardwick expects Gawn to be at his best on Saturday in a stoppage battle with Jarrod Witts, arguably the Suns' best against the Eagles, that will be pivotal.
"Max probably beat him last time up here," the coach said of the Demons' 54-point belting at Carrara last season.
"It's going to be won and lost in that part of the ground.
"Witta's an incredible competitor, as is Max.
"The player we have in Jarrod Witts, people don't realise the importance he has on our club."
Versatile defender Mac Andrew will return from a chest injury to replace Charlie Ballard, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Perth.
High-use midfielder Sam Flanders (back) and hulking teenage forward Jed Walter (suspension) will also return to the side.
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