I worry for Melbourne that they are becoming the Geelong of 2012 - 2021. Around the top 4 (and a team that you need to beat if you want to be a top side) but never the best team in any given year.
That's a good summation actually.
Unlike you though, I don't worry as I'm happy to see them drop off.
They have had generational talent in the form of Oliver, Petracca and Gawn. Seldom rarely do you get this in the one midfield unit and only make it to a solitary grand final.
If they can't get there again in 2024, they are going to really fall away without any ruck or KPD prospects to alleviate Gawn and May's imminent decline.