The Dees have endured a heap over the past 10 months, arguably enough to break a team.
Senior coach Simon Goodwin's ongoing infection will now keep him away from the club for most of the upcoming week, at maybe the most inconvenient time possible as Melbourne's finals hopes fade almost out of sight.
Goodwin's addressing of his ailment intended to reassure the public, but may leave some more concerned than first thought. Asked whether he'll be around the club in the coming week, the coach replied:
"Hope to be. Obviously the next couple of days will be lay low, obviously dealing with an infection (and) been in hospital the last three or four days, so (I'll) head back in and get a little more treatment," Goodwin shared, having bravely prioritised his presence with the team rather than in a hospital bed for a critical clash.
"It's gonna be okay, so it's nothing to really worry about other than just (to) make sure I get on top of it and get it fixed and get around the boys.
"I'm feeling healthy, I'm feeling fine, it's an infection that many people deal with in life and you've just gotta make sure you get the right treatment, and the right treatment is to stay in hospital for as long as I can and that's what I've been doing."
This setback adds to a wretched stretch of devastating injuries, episodes and controversies that have plagued the club since the Angus Brayshaw incident last season, a stretch that has taken it's toll in a big way.
A midfield that had once drawn comparisons to the great trios of the past has been completely depleted at stages this season, tonight failing to overcome the Giants' eight centre-clearances to zero in the final term.
"We're continuing to evolve in that area of the ground. No Christian Petracca, no Angus Brayshaw - a couple of big pillars that you lose at the end of the season," Goodwin said.
"We've added Trent Rivers... still only five games into becoming a midfielder. We're adding layers, Bailey Laurie was in there tonight."
Max Gawn had become the latest Demon to be dealt a harsh load of luck, wrecking his ankle a few weeks ago.
His contest with GWS man-mountain Kieran Briggs was typically brave but pins more focus on their lack of support for the 32-year-old skipper, being noticeably hampered on the night.
"It was a great contest. Briggsy's a very, very good ruckman, they had a good duel all night. Briggs probably took the honours just," Goodwin added.
"Max, it's just great having him back out there... he's done a helluva lot right in the last couple of weeks to get back to get back playing for our footy club."
"It was a very nasty ankle injury that he was dealing with, and like Max does, he wants the team to be successful."
A positive sign was the performance of Clayton Oliver, who looked back to his brutal best for large patches of the game, following yet another wave of off-field turmoil, as trade rumours continue to headline the contracted star.
"I think we've just gotta let it go. Lay off him," Goodwin instructed reporters post-match.
"He's a Melbourne person through and through. He's not going anywhere... we'll get his footy right and he's gonna be here for a long long time playing some great footy."
"He's getting close to his best, he was really clean tonight in around the ball and you could see that dynamic nature about his game."
Oliver's best and a lot more will be required for Melbourne to claw back into the eight, as an even tougher task beckons next Friday when they meet the Dogs at Marvel.
