STRIKING a balance between educating and 'whacking' his players is the key to coaching a side like Melbourne, Paul Roos says.

The Demons dropped their second game in a row in their 38-point loss to the Sydney Swans on Saturday night, following a 68-point thumping at the hands of Fremantle a week prior.

With a meeting against Hawthorn to round out an extremely tough three-game stretch against some of the competition's best sides, Roos said it was important that his feedback was considered and constructive.

"It's the biggest art to coaching a club like Melbourne – when to know when to whack them and when to know when to pull back," Roos said on Monday.

"It's a massive balance between education and whacking them, and that's during the game as well."

Roos said a possible meeting with former Demon James Frawley, who is a chance to return from a torn pectoral this week, would be relished by Melbourne's players.

However, he said there wouldn't be any animosity towards the Hawks defender.

"I can only say good things about James and how he carried himself around the footy club, and in a difficult time as a free agent I thought he was terrific," Roos said.

"He's a ripping fella and really well liked about his peers here, so the players will be looking forward to playing against him."