THE STRUGGLES endured by some of Melbourne's stars have been well documented but revealing stats show two Demons in particular have slipped. 

Gun forward Tom McDonald and co-captain Nathan Jones have fallen in the AFL Player Ratings after miserable starts to the season. 

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McDonald has plummeted 25 spots to No.61 in just three weeks, while Jones has dropped from No.68 to No.82.

A deeper dive into the numbers illustrates why the duo is slumping. 

McDonald is down in several key areas. 

He thrived in attack last year, booting 53 goals, but has just one this season. 

Even more damning is his inability to convert. That was a hallmark of his play in 2017-18, when he slotted 76.27. 

Jones' situation is a little different. He moved from the centre square to a wing role in the second half of last year, so it makes sense his contested possession and clearance numbers would decrease. 

Averaging 45 fewer metres gained and 0.6 fewer score assists is a worry though.

Both had limited preparations, with McDonald having a knee operation while Jones suffered hamstring problems.

Meanwhile, the Demons' Thursday night opponent, Sydney, has its own issues.

One of the game's greatest ever goalkickers, Lance Franklin, has slipped out of the top 10 of the Player Ratings for the first time since round 22, 2017.

Groin surgery meant the Swans superstar was hampered throughout pre-season.

He has booted six goals so far this year.

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