DAMIAN Barrett believes Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs have been let off lightly following dramatic falls from grace.
The Demons vowed to atone from last year's 66-point preliminary final thrashing to eventual premiers West Coast to become a top-four force in 2019.
But the Dees have taken significant steps backwards, winning just one game from the opening five rounds.
BARRETT'S MARGIN CALL I was wrong, Hodgey, but not about the mike
Barrett also questioned the Bulldogs, who have failed to play finals since their fairytale premiership in 2016.
"I thought they (the Demons) were naturally just going to kick into gear at some stage, but right now I don't think that's going to happen," Barrett said on The Sounding Board podcast.
FANTASY FORM WATCH Last chance to grab bargain premium
Co-host Craig Hutchison said the Demons' dismal start has been the biggest disappointment of the season.
"It's unbelievable what's happened. We've seen teams fall from grace quickly, but not teams on the rise with young players," Hutchison said.
"They were talking (as if) better-than-top-four was the expectation."
Find the Sounding Board on Apple Podcasts or RSS
Episode guide
0:00 – Damo's a controversy magnet – Luke Hodge and Gary Ablett
7:00 – Media access of AFL players
11:00 – AFL players' phone and social media use
15:30 – Hutchy put his hand up as chairman of Melbourne United
23:30 – Robert Thomson's oration
25:00 – News Corp saving Tony Abbott and the Liberals
33:00 – Peter Burnett
35:30 – Birds of Tokyo on Anzac Day
38:00 – Melbourne's dramatic fall from grace
40:00 – The Footy Show's ratings slide
