MELBOURNE has withstood a mighty comeback from St Kilda to move into the seventh spot after a 24-point win at the MCG on Sunday.
The Demons led by 40 points late in the second quarter, but the Saints stormed back into the contest to trail by just four points shortly after the start of the final term.
However, Melbourne steadied and two late goals to Mitch Hannan helped to seal the 14.10 (96) to 10.12 (72) win.
The Demons rise to seventh, while the Saints are now 11th, and a game and percentage out of the eight.
MELBOURNE 6.3 9.6 10.9 14.12 (96)
ST KILDA 1.1 4.4 8.11 10.12 (72)
GOALS
Melbourne: Harmes 3, Pedersen 2, Hannan 2, Melksham 2, Viney, Tyson, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Garlett
St Kilda: Dunstan 2, Membrey 2, Sinclair 2, Bruce, Billings, Weller, Webster
BEST
Melbourne: Jones, Pedersen, Oliver, Harmes, Brayshaw, Lewis
St Kilda: Steven, Dunstan, Billings, Ross, Steele, Longer, Carlisle, Geary
INJURIES
Melbourne: O.McDonald (ribs)
St Kilda: Stevens (concussion/ear), Billings (left eye)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stephen, Chamberlain, Ryan
Official crowd: 53,115 at the MCG
