MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin is refusing to give up on his side's "small chance" of reaching the finals ahead of a make-or-break clash with Port Adelaide.
The Demons sit 12th, eight points and a significant percentage gap outside the top eight after losing their past three matches.
And they will be without star defender Steven May (ribs) against the red-hot Power at the MCG on Saturday night.
The run home includes games against Gold Coast (away) and Collingwood, with Melbourne needing to win all three remaining matches to stand a chance of sneaking into the finals.
"There's a huge desire and a want to perform to a really high level," Goodwin said on Wednesday.
"We're still in the mix, it's a small chance, but we want to give ourselves the best opportunity.
"We want to make sure as a footy club that we play unconditional footy no matter what time of the year it is and no matter what the situation is.
"That's how you develop winning habits that lead to ultimate success."
Melbourne endured challenges over the off-season, including Clayton Oliver's interrupted preparation and Angus Brayshaw's enforced retirement.
Fellow premiership star Christian Petracca sustained season-ending injuries halfway through the campaign.
The Demons have unearthed some talent in Petracca's absence – in particular Trent Rivers' move from half-back to the midfield – but haven't found top gear in the finals race.
"We've certainly had some challenges and we've transitioned a lot of younger players, but that's not an excuse," Goodwin said.
"We want to be playing finals footy and right now we're still a chance.
"When that chance leaves we'll continue to work on the things that will drive success moving forward.
"But right now we're in the mindset of winning."
Goodwin expects May to miss at least two matches with fractured ribs, opening the door for Adam Tomlinson to return in defence alongside Jake Lever.
The Demons face a tough ask to stop a tall Port forward line led by Charlie Dixon, Esava Ratugolea and Mitch Georgiades, while the midfield battle will also be crucial.
"A couple of our key defenders have got some pretty big jobs this week," Goodwin said.
Goodwin was buoyed by the "really important" re-signing of experienced winger Ed Langdon to the end of 2028.
