Melbourne's finals hopes are in their own hands after a three-point upset win over St Kilda in Alice Springs.
The Dees were the fast starters, kicking four goals to one in the opening term but let St Kilda back into the contest to hold just a two-point lead at the main break.
Melbourne relinquished the lead early in the third term but finished the see-sawing quarter ahead on the scoreboard by three points.
Christian Petracca was huge for the Dees, kicking his fourth goal of the night halfway through the final term to stretch his side’s lead and boost his Brownlow Medal hopes in the process.
The player who the Saints passed on with the number one pick in the 2014 AFL Draft recorded 15 touches in total.
Jack Steele continued his outstanding form for the Saints with 26 disposals while Brad Hill collected 11 disposals in the last term for a match total of 26.
Steven May played one of his best games for Melbourne down back while Clayton Oliver and Ed Langdon also impressed in the surprise win.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Dees in the eight
Bouncing back from last week's capitulation against the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne tonight restored the faith and optimism that surrounded them following their three-match winning streak.
The Dees' percentage of 111.7% is the fifth-best in the competition and with games against cellar dwellers Sydney and Fremantle, and fellow finals aspirants GWS and Essendon, eighth spot is in the club's hands.
The Medical Room:
Michael Hibberd was helped from the ground late in the third quarter, going down to the rooms with an ankle injury. He later returned to the field.
What’s next?
Melbourne fly to Cairns to take on the Swans on Thursday afternoon before facing Fremantle at the same venue on the following Monday night. St Kilda have the bye in round 15 and then host Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Full Score
Melbourne: 4.0, 5.1, 7.3, 8.4 (52)
St Kilda: 1.3, 4.5, 6.6, 7.7 (49)
BEST
Melbourne: May, Petracca, Gawn, Oliver
St Kilda: Steele, Marshall, Hill, Jones
GOALS
Melbourne: Petracca 4, Weideman 2, Brown, Gawn
St Kilda: Marshall, Membrey, Battle, King, Phillips, Ryder, Steele
Reports: Nil