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.
8. Round 16, 2023 vs GWS
5.15 (45) def. by 7.5 (47)
A second consecutive loss had Melbourne fans shaking their heads, and for what is the theme of this article: their inaccuracy and inability to capitalise on their dominance.
Playing in Alice Springs at TIO Traeger Park, the Demons had 20 scores to 12. Clearances (48-28) and contested possessions (187-143) indicated a near-perfect game from Goodwin's side, which the scoreboard was unable to reflect.
Petracca's four behinds led the charge for Melbourne's imprecision in front of goal, while effective scorers followed suit on the day.
WheeloRatings had the Demons winning by 28 points, but a 30-point flip has the Giants claiming the all-important four premiership points.
The loss put Melbourne within touching distance of Essendon in eighth spot, despite desperately holding onto fourth position.
