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.
4. Round 9, 2024 vs Carlton
11.10 (76) def. by 12.5 (77)
Another close Carlton defeat has become a trend among the Demons camp, especially since the stats were supposed to lead to a victory.
A total of 20 more inside 50s wasn't enough to alter the outcome, as the blazing away Demons were on full force at the MCG.
WheeloRatings had Goodwin's men winning by four goals instead of the one-point defeat.
Even Petracca's special five-goal haul wasn't enough.
At this stage of the season, Melbourne was sitting in fourth, with a win likely to have claimed a top-two spot after Round 9, but instead prompted a shock loss to West Coast the week after.
