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.
10. Round 11, 2023 vs Fremantle
10.12 (72) def. by 12.7 (79)
Melbourne was sitting top four and staking claims for another premiership tilt after a disappointing end to the year before.
Facing a much-improved Fremantle outfit at the MCG proved more troublesome for the 2021 premiers than first anticipated, and an expected 21.7-point turnaround saw the Demons begin to fall.
Goodwin's men were expected to run out winners by just over two goals, but the visitors had other plans, making the most of their opportunities.
The loss put Melbourne among the chasing pack for the top four.
