Melbourne has overrun a Fremantle side battered by injuries at the MCG.
The Dockers lost two players in the first half and slowly lost control of the game, while the Demons only grew in momentum as things went on.
The Dees kicked four goals to one in the final term to pick up the 14-point win.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Difference: Tom McDonald stands up
It’s been a horrific year for Tom McDonald who has struggled to regain his momentum from last year.
However, he stood up big today when it mattered most, kicking two goals late in the fourth quarter, giving the Dees a match-winning lead.
He spent more time in the ruck and got plenty of the ball in a different role that may have revitalised him.
Tom McDonald with a dribbler from the boundary!
— AFL (@AFL) June 22, 2019
Have Melbourne done enough to get over the line?#AFLDeesFreo pic.twitter.com/3DaXDZmfM9
The Talking Point: Dockers ravaged by injury
It was a grind after quarter time for the Dockers, losing Jesse Hogan to a foot injury right on the first break.
Hogan missed most of last year with a navicular injury in the same foot and we await news on the severity of this latest setback.
The Dockers then lost returning midfielder Stephen Hill to a hamstring in the second half.
The wingman had missed the entire season to this point with a quad injury and has gone down in his first game back.
Ruckman Sean Darcy (ribs) and defender Nathan Wilson (ankle) both played through soreness as well.
The Moment: Walters reported
Fremantle will likely be without Hill and Hogan next week, but you might have to add Michael Walters to that list as well.
Walters, a potential Brownlow Medal fancy, was reported for headbutting in the second quarter of the game.
See the incident below.
Michael Walters is on report for a headbutt? #AFLDeesFreo pic.twitter.com/BofTsjOJ6T
— Lace out (@laceoutofficial) June 22, 2019
What’s next?
Melbourne travels to the Gabba to take on Brisbane in what will be a tough road trip for the Demons. Fremantle meanwhile hosts Carlton at Optus Stadium
Full Score
Melbourne: 2.1, 5.4, 9.6, 13.7. (85)
Fremantle: 4.1, 6.4, 10.5, 11.5. (71)
BEST
Melbourne: Viney, Smith, Gawn, T.McDonald, Petracca, Lockhart, Oliver
Fremantle: B.Hill, Walters, Matera, Fyfe, Conca, Ryan, Langdon
Reports: Nil
Injuries: Hogan (foot), S.Hill (hamstring), Darcy (ribs), Wilson (ankle)