The next step, under a new coach next year, is to find ways to get over the line.
A six-point loss to Collingwood, who kicked the last four goals on Friday night to steamroll their opponents, summed up the Demons' dismal campaign.
"The over-arching theme that I can't get out of my head is we lose winnable games," an emotional Gawn told the Seven Network after Melbourne's 11.16 (82) to 11.10 (76) defeat.
Gawn counted three matches - against North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Hawthorn - in which the Demons weren't in the hunt this season.
And with seven wins on the board, the skipper felt another 13 went begging.
"Which is pretty flattening. We've got to learn how to win again," Gawn said.
"Obviously we'll get some new people in, but this group has to learn how to win."
A critical off-season looms as Melbourne's hierarchy seeks a full-time replacement for sacked 2021 premiership coach Simon Goodwin.
The player exchange period could also bring about change, with the future of big-name stars Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Bayley Fritsch set to be in the spotlight.
"Once I see what team we've got here, in terms of coaching staff and footy admin and even players, then we're all guns blazing for 2026," Gawn said.
"We're going to go away and learn how to win."
Melbourne caretaker coach Troy Chaplin echoed Gawn's sentiments, pointing out the Demons were 1-6 this year in games decided by 10 points or less.
"We've got to get better ... but what I do know with this group is they are a proud group," Chaplin said.
"They've shown up, every day they've come in with real purpose.
"They challenged a team tonight who are a top-four team.
"Where we have to get better as a group is winning these games."
Goodwin's former assistant, Chaplin is contracted for next season and expects to fill a support role for the incoming senior coach.
The ex-Port Adelaide and Richmond defender is bullish about what Melbourne might achieve with a fresh voice at the helm.
"We've got great players," Chaplin said.
"The new coach will find a way to inspire them and galvanise that group and take them forward."
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