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.
Utilising 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.
1. Round 13, 2025 vs Collingwood
10.11 (71) def. by 11.6 (72)
Another King's Birthday classic that once again saw Melbourne falter when it mattered most.
A host of key moments in the clutches of the contest proved to be the difference, with the Demons unable to capitalise in front of the bumper guard.
Melbourne, according to WheeloRatings, was expected to go on and win by 10 points.
The scores were even at quarter-time, but Collingwood's 9.4 to 8.9 proved to be the difference, as the premiership favourites went into the bye with a smile on their face.
Meanwhile, Melbourne, as they have done multiple times, left the MCG despondent.
The defeat was the second in two weeks, and a trip to Port Adelaide that followed proved too much for Goodwin's side.
They now sit 15th on the ladder.
