There is a distinct likelihood the Demons, supposedly at the start of a dynasty after their drought-busting flag in 2021, will fail to win a final for a third straight year at a time when their premiership window should be at its widest.

Schwarz said Petracca’s season-ending injury was not necessarily terminal to the club’s hopes of winning the flag, but holds little confidence they can hoist the cup without him.

“They might make a run, catch fire but I doubt it,” Schwarz said. “I don’t see much changing. The forward line is just hopeless.

“I think Melbourne’s problems are bigger than one player.

“Let’s see how their depth goes, and move around the magnets for once. Let’s see how the coaching staff earn their money now, and not have Christian Petracca to deliver week in, week out, and have plans B and C which we haven’t seen yet.”

Petracca also suffered four broken ribs and a punctured lung after copping a knee to the ribs from Darcy Moore in a marking contest just before quarter time.

The Demons’ medical staff came under fire after Petracca returned to the field in the second quarter, but the player defended their actions, saying he was responsible for playing on. Melbourne said the pain “increased at half-time” before he was taken to hospital for scans, which revealed the extent of the damage.

Petracca’s absence places more responsibility on the other half of the Demons’ dynamic on-ball duo, Clayton Oliver, who has not returned to his brilliant best after a preseason disrupted by injury and time off to deal with mental health issues.

Livewire forward Kysaiah Pickett and rebounding backman Christian Salem can both expect extra time in the midfield to cover for Petracca.

The Dees will also miss Petracca’s threat in the forward line, an area of the ground they have struggled in since 2021.

Melbourne will start warm favourites after the bye against North Melbourne and West Coast, but have a challenging final seven games of the season, all against clubs in the running for a finals berth.

Petracca had been second on 145 matches for the most consecutive games played for current active players, behind Collingwood’s Jack Crisp. He has not missed a game since round six in 2018.