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.
6. Qualifying Final, 2023 vs Collingwood
7.11 (53) def. by 9.6 (60)
Melbourne will still be shaking their heads as to how they managed to lose this qualifying final clash against the Pies.
A hot start by Collingwood was clawed back by the Demons, but never quite stole the lead in the low-scoring affair.
WheeloRatings had Melbourne winning by 17.1 points and securing a home preliminary final, with the statistician having Goodwin's side at an 87.3 per cent chance of winning.
A sliding door moment, which prompted key defender Steven May to suggest that the Demons were far superior to the Pies at the post-season awards night.
