Melbourne's breakout year is in danger of falling away badly after they dropped out of the AFL's top eight.
After being stunned by North Melbourne last week, the Demons failed to respond against Greater Western Sydney with the Giants dispatching them 14.13 (97)-10.2 (62) in Canberra on Saturday.
The Dees have dropped to 10th on the ladder, making their remaining three matches crucial to their chances of playing finals for the first time in more than a decade.
In Melbourne's favour is a kind run home, which kicks off with St Kilda on Sunday.
All three of their remaining fixtures are at the MCG, with Brisbane and Collingwood rounding out the Demons' home-and-away season.
"It's not where you are now, it's where you are at round 23," coach Simon Goodwin said.
"We've got a great opportunity next week to respond and we'll have another two opportunities after that."
Melbourne managed just 12 shots on goal against GWS, with forwards Jack Watts and Jeff Garlett failing to get a kick before the main break.
"In a lot of ways they responded after halftime," Goodwin said.
"Probably taking the glass half-full approach heading into next week is that they did respond but at the same time in the first half we got beaten badly across our half forward line."
While they were outscored and out-tackled, the return of Bernie Vince and Nathan Jones allowed Melbourne to win the contested possession count.
Goodwin was happy enough with the output of his two hard-nosed on-ballers but will be hoping for more against the Saints.
"They both probably struggled a little bit early but worked their way back into the game and they'll be better for the run," Goodwin said.
Missing out on September would be a cruel blow for the much-improved Demons after a season in which they've won many admirers with gutsy wins over strong opposition.
But, despite back-to-back losses, Goodwin isn't focusing on his side's declining ladder position.
"This club's still got a lot to play for, a lot in front itself and we're actually really looking forward to the next three weeks," he said.
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