Melbourne's off-field drama has been the talk of the town, and the results of its external review couldn't have come at a better time to provide some clarity.

The Demons are still adamant that they have the cattle to return to finals in 2025 after a lull in the most recent campaign.

The club has welcomed back legend Nathan Jones as an assistant coach, along with former Adelaide Nathan Bassett, to the fold, replacing the departing Andrew McQualter and Greg Stafford.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Nathan Jones of the Demons looks dejected after a loss during the 2019 AFL round 22 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 16, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The review - led by New Zealand All Blacks leadership guru Darren Shand - also detailed Melbourne's need to "refine our method of play" after becoming one of the more dour ball-movement and scoring sides, ranking 14th for points for in 2024.

It revealed the "importance of empowering player leadership" in a high-performance environment, helping set clear parameters and expectations for all players.

Shand and Governance and Culture expert Megan Dwyer also recognised a lack of alignment at Board level, which has seen two presidents (Glenn Bartlett and Kate Roffey) depart in the space of four years, as well as CEO Gary Pert.

A separate review that announced unnamed areas of improvement.

However, a key omission from the findings and subsequent letter from interim president Brad Green was the lack of cultural clarity that will be sought by the entire club, which saw Christian Petracca looking for a way out of the club and Clayton Oliver dangled as a trade option.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Christian Petracca of the Demons leaves the field injured during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Star forward Kysaiah Pickett was also seemingly exploring his options despite a long contract still in play.

Not to mention Joel Smith, who was recently handed down a four-year ban following an investigation into claims he used and trafficked cocaine.

"The purpose of the review was to identify opportunities for the AFL Football program to return to finals in 2025," Green wrote.

"This review involved over 40 interviews with players, coaches, football department staff, and external industry experts.

"Shand then used the interview findings to lead a series of workshops and collaborative meetings with on-field and off-field leaders, including Max Gawn and Jack Viney, to establish key priorities for improving our program in 2025."

Shand will carry on his connection to the Demons in a role that will "mentor both our on-field and off-field leaders".