Mr J, it's only a fairly recent trend, but it is a pretty scary one for anyone backing them to make the finals next year. You're probably right though. I guess it has to come to an end soon.

Melbourne's recent record:

2004 - made finals (5th)
2003 - missed finals (14th)
2002 - made finals (6th)
2001 - missed finals (11th)
2000 - made finals (2nd)
1999 - missed finals (14th)
1998 - made finals (4th)
1997 - missed finals (last)