The 2021 premiership triumph feels like a distant memory for Melbourne, and despite having 16 premiership stars still on their roster, it seems like an entirely different club.
Since the flag, it has been one disaster after another, which has included, but is not limited to, the potential trading of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver; the Joel Smith drug saga; the lack of a home base; and the allegations against Simon Goodwin's behaviour.
All culminating toward an external review led by an All Blacks figurehead that was supposed to turn the turbulence into clear air.
But taking a look back on where the Demons have been since that drought-breaking flag, there is a statistic that pops off the page, which has been their Achilles heel in the past three years.
Utilisingย WheeloRatings, Melbourne has 12 games to thank for the dramatic downfall the club has faced, which has been the summit of its checkered past.
Identifying a dozen matches where the Demons were expected to win but didn't from the beginning of the 2022 campaign, ultimately preventing them from turning a dynasty-worthy team into rubble.
12. Round 21, 2022 vs Collingwood
13.11 (89) def. by 15.6 (96)
A Friday night match for the ages, which saw Craig McRae's Pies take a monster leap toward genuine premiership contention after knocking off the reigning premiers.
But 24 scores to 21 saw the inaccurate Demons fail to draw closer to competition leaders Geelong.
According toย WheeloRatings, Simon Goodwin's charges were supposed to run out eventual winners by 13.8 points (92.8 vs 79). on expected score.
The Demons dominated clearance (53-31), inside 50s (64-41) and disposals (409-316) but were unable to capitalise, recording a lowly 44.6 per cent efficiency inside 50. This is in stark contrast to Collingwood's 56.1 per cent.
In the end, Melbourne was unable to catch Geelong for the minor premiership, and faced Sydney in the first week of the finals at the MCG.
