MELBOURNE will go into Sunday's Grand Final against minor premier Brisbane as underdogs, but the Demons say they can buck the form guide and finally break through for a maiden premiership.
The Lions have been the best team all season, with their potent forward line terrorising opposition sides, but Dees midfielder Lily Mithen believes her club has what it takes to win the flag for the first time.
"Of course it's possible!" Mithen said with a laugh when asked about the daunting prospect of stopping the seemingly unstoppable Lions.
"They're a really strong contested side, as are we, so that'll be a real battle to focus in on. And should we win that battle, I'm confident we'll get the job done.
"They can score quickly, but we've been the best defensive team of the year, so that's another really good match-up."
Sunday's decider will be the Dees' second consecutive Grand Final having fallen just short of the ultimate glory earlier this year in season six.
It's long been a case of close but not close enough for the Demons. In 2017 and 2018, they placed third on the ladder when the top two went straight through to a Grand Final. In 2020, they won through to a preliminary final before the season was abandoned due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In 2021, they made the preliminary final again but were knocked out by Adelaide.
An inaugural Demon, Mithen has been there for the whole convoluted journey and is somewhat of a veteran of the side at the ripe old age of 24.
"When you do reflect on it, it's really special to be part of something from the very beginning," Mithen said.
"There's only 'first' once, and I guess I was part of that first Demons line-up, our first game was against the Lions as well.
"It's why you come to work and why you play footy; for the fun of it.
"I think we've made footy really fun this year and built on our connection and that spirit between us.
"You're only playing it for the fun and enjoyment and we've been able to harness that really well, which has resulted in wins."
On Sunday, the Demons will aim for just one more win, which would be the sweetest of all.