MELBOURNE has a perfect opportunity to end a horror early-season record when it plays a depleted St Kilda in round one of the home and away season in three weeks.
The Demons will set an unenviable new record for the most years without a win in the opening two rounds if they are unable to defeat either St Kilda or the Eagles in rounds one and two this year.
Two clubs match Melbourne's record of eight seasons without a win in the first two games of the year: both North Melbourne (1929-1936) and Hawthorn (1946-1953) had eight-year droughts while Footscray (1978-1983) and St Kilda (1982-1988) have the worst starting records in the modern era.
The Demons drew with the Sydney Swans in round one, 2011 but have not won in either rounds one or two since 2005.
St Kilda will be without their two premier midfielders against the Demons in round one, with last year's best and fairest winner Jack Stevens (broken foot) and the experienced Leigh Montagna (suspension) both unavailable.
Defender Sam Gilbert is also doubtful for the clash at a venue Melbourne has not won at since round 19, 2007 - it has lost 16 consecutive games at Etihad Stadium.
Last season the Demons lost their opening two games by a combined total of 227 points and had a percentage of 28.39 after two rounds.
Commercial activity ground to a standstill and the team never recovered.
However, such a string of awful early-season results has not prompted Melbourne's administration to place greater emphasis on getting off to a good start in 2014.
Demons CEO Peter Jackson told AFL.com.au the success of this season did not rest on the club's win-loss ratios, it was about focusing on a better performance on field that ensured the club was competitive.
"This year is about percentage," Jackson told AFL.com.au.
"We just have to focus on getting the football right and the rest will follow."
He said that competitiveness would be reflected in the team's percentage and how long games stayed winnable. Melbourne was only ahead at half-time once in 2014.
With a new coach in Paul Roos, and a stronger midfield following a targeted trade and draft period, the Demons should be confident of a better season following several years of mediocrity.
The club's financial indicators were trending positively at the end of February, with membership up and sponsorship bookings full. It also expected to make $1.3 million playing two games in the Northern Territory this season.
Melbourne's balance sheet is sound, with the club in a position to break even in 2014 but Jackson understands the turnaround will take time.
The Demons made a good start to the NAB Challenge, defeating Richmond before losing narrowly to Geelong in Alice Springs on Friday night.
Their final hit-out before the season opener will be a practice match against defending premiers Hawthorn next Saturday at Casey Fields.
