I have always been somewhat aware of the fact that Melbourne have a Hawthorn-esque win-loss record in Grand Finals. Hawthorn 13-6, Melbourne 12-5. These are long term historical figures so they really should even out to 50-50 over time. Richmond, for example, is 13-12 (Can not resist pointing out that Collingwood are 15-27).
But what is curious is that those five losses do include their relatively recent ones in 1988 and 2000. So prior to 1988, Melbourne were 12-3 which is quite amazing. Not only that, those first three losses all fall within one 13 year period from 1946 to 1958 inclusive.
Given that they won 5 out of 6 from 1955 to 1960, then again in 1964, and also had another three-peat in 1939-41, you have to conclude that they have done well to maximize their flag-winning in dominant eras and have otherwise been on the St Kilda/Bulldogs/North level of (lack of) premiership success.
But what is curious is that those five losses do include their relatively recent ones in 1988 and 2000. So prior to 1988, Melbourne were 12-3 which is quite amazing. Not only that, those first three losses all fall within one 13 year period from 1946 to 1958 inclusive.
Given that they won 5 out of 6 from 1955 to 1960, then again in 1964, and also had another three-peat in 1939-41, you have to conclude that they have done well to maximize their flag-winning in dominant eras and have otherwise been on the St Kilda/Bulldogs/North level of (lack of) premiership success.