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.
11. Semi Final, 2022 vs Brisbane
11.13 (78) def. by 14.8 (92)
Coming off a poor performance against the Swans in the qualifying final, the Demons were supposed to bounce back in front of the home crowd, especially given Brisbane's MCG hoodoo.
Inaccuracy once again got the better of the Demons, and their dreams of back-to-back premierships were dashed by a valiant Lions outfit.
WheeloRatings expected Melbourne to run out eventual winners by 10.3 points (88.5 vs 78.2) based on the difficulties of shots and dominance from the Victorian club.
Clearances and contested possessions favoured the Demons, but were to no avail as a deep run into September was stopped short.
