At four wins and eight losses, Melbourne is still a long way off challenging the league’s best.
But consider the Demons’ fortunes now to that of 12 months ago, and the improvement is obvious.
Paul Roos has been labelled the messiah for transforming an outfit that won just two games with a percentage of 54, into a team that’s defeated three of the league's powerhouse (Essendon, Richmond, Carlton). It’s a title that has some merit.
Recognising a need for more midfield grunt, Roos invested heavily in AFL-experienced on-ballers, who could prove pivotal to the result on Sunday.
In the corresponding game last year, Nathan Jones and Colin Sylvia (traded to Fremantle) were the only players to register 20 disposals. North had 10.
Expect it to be a different story this time around.
During the off-season, Roos handed a lifeline to delisted Bulldog Daniel Cross, gave former Crow Bernie Vince a fresh start and took what was considered a big gamble by giving up pick two (and an exchange of other selections) for unproven Giant Dom Tyson.
All were risks. All have paid off.
Dom Tyson (from GWS Giants)
Traded with pick 9 and 53 in exchange for picks 2, 20 and 72
282 disposals at 23.5 a game/9 goals
The left-footer has fit seamlessly into Melbourne’s midfield, becoming one of the club’s most consistent players through the first half of the season.
He was pivotal in the Round 9 win against Richmond, and his team’s standout performer against ladder-leader Port Adelaide a fortnight later, showing he’s not intimidated coming up against the best.
After enjoying a big month in May with several outstanding games, Tyson would be right up there in the race for the Demons’ Best and Fairest award, alongside Nathan Jones.
Bernie Vince (from Adelaide)
Traded in exchange for pick 23
275 disposals at 22.9 a game
The most high profile of Melbourne’s recruits, Vince has enjoyed some quality games, with his body strength providing assistance in the contest to Jones.
Terrific against Collingwood in the Queen’s Birthday clash, the former Crow has fast become a vital part of the Demons’ on-ball brigade.
Daniel Cross (from Western Bulldogs)
Delisted free agent
260 disposals at 21.7 a game/67 tackles at 5.6 a game
With experienced heads required to guide a young team, Cross has been the perfect addition.
While he's never been the most skilled or talented, the former Bulldog's ability to play a sacrificial role on the opposition’s most dangerous ball-winners is a huge asset.
The 220-gamer has freed space for Jones and Vince to do what they do best, and he's been a mentor for Tyson and young gun Jack Viney as they develop as AFL footballers.
Ultra-consistent, he’s had over 20 disposals in all but two games this season.
The impact of just three players can’t be understated. All of a sudden the focus isn’t solely on Jones, and the Demons look more composed when the opposition turns up the pressure.
Just getting hands on the ball was a massive issue for Melbourne last season. At 318 disposals a game, it sat a distant last across the AFL.
That average has lifted to 359 this year, 12th in the league.
Roos has ensured his players haven’t got ahead of themselves though. The reality is the Demons still rank last for clearances and last for inside 50’s.
The introduction of a trio of midfielders in the off-season is just the beginning of a long-term build.
"We'd love to have a couple of really good midfielders, because probably the absolute class is what gets us at times,” Roos said on Tuesday.
"The class of (Scott) Pendlebury and (Dane) Swan and you look at the Swans with guys like Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh and Joey (Josh) Kennedy.
"We still know we're still a long way away from being a really top side, there's no doubt about that."
It’s going to be a long and patient rise for the Demons, but there’s no doubting the three moves considered a risk six months ago have proven a masterstroke by the new coach and a huge step in the right direction.
The Demons demand respect on Sunday.
