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.
9. Round 15, 2023 vs Geelong
8.15 (63) def. by 11.12 (78)
Heading down the highway to GMHBA Stadium is no easy feat, but the Demons gave themselves every chance to claim a rare win at Geelong's home.
A second quarter that saw them kick 2.7 allowed the Cats to remain in the contest, while multiple behinds to Kysaiah Pickett, Christian Petracca and Kade Chandler didn't help the club's cause.
Geelong also produced a six-goal to two final term, and while the Demons had their opportunities, they were unable to capitalise.
Melbourne was expected to claim the victory by the barest of margins, but the Cats' accuracy prevailed.
The defeat fortunately kept the red and blue in fourth, but with three clubs nipping at their heels.
