MELBOURNE has been consistent in its past 10 clashes with Collingwood, but not in the way Nathan Jones would like.
The Demons haven't defeated the Magpies since posting a 13-point win in the 2007 Queen's Birthday match.
They could only kick a paltry 3.10 (28) in last year’s fixture - the lowest score the side has produced since Paul Roos was appointed coach.
"I can't quite remember the result, I've put that one behind me," Jones said on Wednesday.
"But if I look at Melbourne footy club last year and Melbourne footy club this year, I think we're a completely different team.
"We've got a lot of new players, we play a better brand of footy or a more rounded brand of footy."
Match preview: Demons v Magpies
Unfortunately for Jones, the trend of one step forward and two steps back has continued this season.
The Demons posted a 39-point win over Western Bulldogs a fortnight ago, but backed it up with a woeful fadeout against Port Adelaide that led to a 61-point loss last weekend.
"Our best footy is really good and I reckon we've showed that in games," Jones said.
"But the difference between our best and worst is still too great.
"Our biggest challenge at the moment is bridging that gap.
"You look at the best teams in the competition and you know exactly what they're going to serve up."
Jones suspected some teammates would be dropped after the Power's second-half rampage.
"You would have thought ‘Roosy’ would make some changes," he said.
"For me and a lot of the players, the weekend's result was one of the more disappointing ones for the year."
One player unlikely to face the axe is No.3 draft pick Angus Brayshaw, who has excelled in his first season.
Jones caused a stir when he compared Rising Star nominee Jesse Hogan to legend Jonathan Brown earlier this year.
When asked to make another bold prediction, the on-baller described Brayshaw as being "Joel Selwood-like".
"He just comes in and attacks the game and plays footy in its purest form," Jones said of Brayshaw.
Brayshaw, standing alongside his mentor at the MCG, was incredulous at the moniker.
"Selwood is a little bit out of my league. So thanks Nathan, but maybe not," the 19-year-old said.
"There's still plenty I can improve on."
