THE beauty about football is that fortunes can always change.

But the proviso is that it may take time.

In Melbourne’s case, it’s almost been a decade since its most recent finals appearance, and an inordinate amount has happened since Fremantle bundled out the red and blue in a semi-final at Subi in 2006.

And while documenting the on and off field events of the past eight seasons are too many for this space, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable turn of events since the West Coast Eagles smashed Melbourne by 93 points at the MCG in round two. 

Or more to the point, since the Demons have won three of their past six matches, or two of their previous three rounds. And in the words of the AFL’s favourite music performer Meat Loaf: ‘Two out of three ain’t bad’.

After two matches into a new season, anyone associated with the red and blue could’ve been forgiven for thinking ‘where to from here?’

For former Giant and first-year Demon Dom Tyson, who has been part of Melbourne’s transformation this year, and was pivotal in its 17-point win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday, the reversal of form has been due to several key factors. 

“That 93-point loss to West Coast – since then we’ve beaten Carlton, who made the top eight [last year], Adelaide in Adelaide and Richmond, who also made the top eight [last year],” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“It’s just getting used to the game plan and playing with each other – and ever since Dawsey’s (Chris Dawes) come back, he’s just straightened us up. Jack Viney’s come in and he’s just aggressive and Mark Jamar gives us heaps [in the ruck] and Howey going back – you see him fly through the air and he lifts every player out there.

“It’s not just any individual – it’s just us getting used to each other and it’s really exciting.”

Tyson is spot on.

The return of Dawes, Jamar and Colin Garland from injury has been massive for structure and confidence. Add Max Gawn and Aidan Riley, who played their first games of the season against the Tigers, but were also sidelined in round two, and it only highlighted the depth building at Melbourne.  

It’s also interesting to note that Melbourne had nine players unavailable on its list in round two – its most this season – in what has otherwise been an impressive year for the club’s medicos and fitness staff to keep its players on the park. Not an easy task in today’s game.

Taking away the retirement of Mitch Clark, key tall James Frawley and former co-captain Jack Trengove were the regulars missing from round nine, plus a yet-to-debut youngster by the name of Jesse Hogan. And still there are some quality Demons playing for Casey biding their time who could easily have an impact: think Sam Blease, Jordie McKenzie and Luke Tapscott.

But delving deeper into the transformation – and it really started last year.

It came via chief executive Peter Jackson, who managed to help land one of the AFL’s biggest coups in recent history – the acquisition of 2005 Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos.

And already Roos has made a significant impact.

Roos is a winner. He’s achieved more than most in the AFL.

And if you wanted any further insight into his driven nature to succeed, you only had to listen to him at his post-match media conference after the round nine win.

“I don’t focus on winning or losing – I come to win every week,” Roos said.

“I think the players have got to take that mindset in every week.

“But really our focus is every minute of every game and trying to get things right regularly and that’s what the good teams do. We’re a long way off that – and we understand that. But certainly to beat a team (Richmond) that played finals last year is a great effort from the players.”

Furthermore, the recruitment of midfielders Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince and Daniel Cross has been critical to Melbourne’s rejuvenation, plus the injection of draft picks Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris.

Roos and his coaching staff have also helped extract the best – or at least more – from others. Think Cam Pedersen and Rohan Bail as two players who have played every match this season and become important contributors.

Confidence has not only been seen on the paddock from the likes of Pedersen and Bail – but it has been across the group, across all quality of player.

It’s no surprise that things are starting to happen in an environment that fosters belief. But there is also no question that key and quality personnel – on and off the field – will always make a difference.

Still, in an age of hysteria and ‘I want it now’, plus the ability to contact the president of the United States of America via the press of a few buttons – in the guise of what’s known as a Tweet – it’s important to remember some things can’t be fixed in a matter of moments. Patience, time and some bloody hard work are still needed for many things, even turning around the fortunes of a football club.

That’s why an experienced, successful head such as Roos has been critical. Like all, he might want the results now, but even he understands that it takes time.

“The pain that this club’s had for five years – even though I’ve only been here for nine games – you carry the last five [years] as coach,” he said.

“I’m here to make a difference and sometimes you feel guilty that you’re not improving as much as I would’ve liked. But we understand how far we’ve come and [got to] go, so short-term I’m happy for the club, for the players and happy for the fans, who are getting a result – we’ve won three games, which is really good.

“The people who have endured so much hard time, it’s great to see Melbourne fans celebrating after a game.”

And it is significant for Melbourne people – and the rest of the competition – to know that it’s once again up for the fight, even if there will be more hurdles and ups and downs along the way.

Remember, it’s just the start.  

Although this season mightn’t have started off the way the red and blue faithful wanted – via a loss by almost 100 points – Melbourne is right back on track, having gone from a team bereft of confidence to one with genuine belief. And most importantly, it is now a competitive outfit.

To go from an almost three-figure loss to a team capable of taking it up to the opposition – or from a non-competitive to competitive outfit – is perhaps best summed up by the Rolling Stones who sang: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you might find you get what you need”.

We look forward to the next tune as Melbourne continues to evolve along its journey.