It was Melbourne's second loss in five days – this time to a hungrier and smarter Fremantle outfit – and it put the Demons' season in jeopardy on Monday night.
Despite calls from coach Simon Goodwin for his side to be a "brave footy club" at half-time, the Demons left their run too late in the 6.11 (47) to 4.9 (33) defeat at Cazaly's Stadium.
It leaves Melbourne needing to win its final two games of the season just to give itself a glimmer of hope before relying on other results.
The Dockers beat the Demons with their possession-style game in the opening half and should've been further in front after amassing 59 more uncontested disposals.
Melbourne failed to capitalise on a strong breeze in the second term and booted just one goal through Sam Weideman.
Three goals from the Dockers in the third term – including two from Walters – gave the Dockers the ascendancy heading into the final term against the wind.
Goodwin called in his leaders – Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Jake Melksham, Steven May and Jake Lever – at three-quarter-time before Cerra's blinder put the Dockers four goals clear with 10 minutes to play.
The Demons owned possession in the final stages and goals to Aaron vandenBerg and Bayley Fritsch bridged the gap to nine points inside four minutes.
From there it was the Dockers' defence led by Stephen Hill, Brennan Cox, and Luke Ryan who held their nerve, with first-year forward Michael Frederick kicking a goal on the final siren.
MELBOURNE 0.1 1.3 2.4 4.9 (33)
FREMANTLE 1.6 1.9 4.9 6.11 (47)
GOALS
Melbourne: Hunt, Weideman, vandenBerg, Fritsch,
Fremantle: Walters 3, Darcy, Cerra, Frederick
BEST
Melbourne: Oliver, Petracca, Gawn, Viney, Fritsch
Fremantle: Walters, Serong, Cerra, Brayshaw, Mundy, Cox, Duman
INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Duman (TBC)
