In a "major backflip" from the club, Melbourne is embarking on an external review after weeks of turmoil that followed a turbulent 12 months.
It comes 48 hours after Kate Roffey stood down as president of the Demons, who emphatically denied the club's need for outside assistance.
Roffey departed the club after theย SEN interview and was replaced by former player Brad Green.
SEE MORE:ย Melbourne president Kate Roffey address Petracca crippling controversy
Channel 7's Mitch Cleary revealed Melbourne's decision to seek counsel from surrounding sources, naming a key figurehead in culture and leadership at the New Zealand All Blacks.
"In a major backflip, the Demons are embarking on an external review," Cleary said.
"It comes after weeks of turmoil in which they consistently denied the need to open their doors.
"The review will focus mostly on the football department with senior leaders to all be examined.
"The Demons fell off a cliff at the back end of the season, missing the finals while superstar Christian Petracca threatened to leave.
"Roffey had been steadfast they could deal with things internally but are now set to turn to former All Blacks manager Darren Shand, who is likely to be a key part of this review after 20 years at one of world sports' successful teams (New Zealand All Blacks).
"He's an expert in culture and leadership."
Petracca's desire to move clubs wasn't the only shock headline coming from Melbourne in recent times, with Alex Neal-Bullen requesting a trade to Adelaide for family reasons (and will be granted) while Kysaiah Pickett's annual move-home factor reared its ugly head again once, with Fremantle considering a play.
Troubled midfielder Clayton Oliver also filled the papers with negative attention after a turbulent pre-season leading into 2024.
Teammate Joel Smith is also facing a provisional ban for testing positive for a banned substance, of which the club refutes an issue pertaining to its culture of a drug problem.
And to top it off, it was understood that Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston was also keen to play at the Demons but has since cooled off following the chaos at the club.
Captain Max Gawn weighed in on the club's decision to accept help outside the four walls, saying, "I'm glad it's happening".
โI get why this is big news, but in my head, it's not big news,โ Gawn said on Triple M.
โSurely, if we won the flag and finished first, I would love to have the All Black leadership and culture (team) come in and check how we're going.
โI'm glad it's happening. I think every club should get reviewed every year. I own two restaurants โฆ and we constantly have people come in and do an external review on our restaurant.
โBut I don't see why it's big news, and hopefully, we get some good stuff from it.
