Melbourne has kept pace with the ladder leaders, holding off a challenge from Fremantle to kick away and win an enthralling battle at Fremantle Oval by 30 points on Sunday.
In a clash of styles that saw both teams enjoy periods of momentum, it was Melbourne's skilled ball-movement and marking prowess that prevailed against the Freo Dockers' speed and chaos.
Just five points separated the teams at the final change, but the Demons kicked four unanswered goals to close the game and win 10.6 (66) to 5.6 (36), moving to 5-1 alongside fellow top-four teams Brisbane, Adelaide and Collingwood.
Kate Hore was the game-breaker in the end, booting back-to-back goals in the final term from clean crumbing, finishing with a game-high three to prove the difference.
Gabby O'Sullivan post-match v Melbourne | Round 6
We caught up with Mitts after todays disappointing loss to the Melbourne Demons to get her thoughts on where the team is at.
Midfielders Tyla Hanks (21 disposals and five clearances) and Olivia Purcell (26 and five) combined brilliantly in the midfield to set up the attacking handball chains that proved pivotal throughout the game.
Fremantle's pressure was at a high level, winning the tackle count 57-48, but it was not enough to prevent the polished Demons from working the ball into space and then finding marking targets.
Freo were at their best during the third quarter when, led by midfielders Kiara Bowers (26 and eight inside 50s) and Hayley Miller (17 and five clearances), they rallied from 18 points down to cut the margin to five points before running out of steam.
Kauffman speeds into an open goal
Megan Kauffman receives a beautiful handball from Tighe to level the scores
Melbourne made its first move late in the second quarter with back-to-back goals that gave it a 12-point buffer at the main break, with former Freo Docker Sabreena Duffy capping off the half with a snap that gave her new team the momentum heading into half time.
When Hore extended the margin to 18 points just 15 seconds into the third quarter, it was hard to see Fremantle recovering and getting back into the game, but they forced the issue with another lift in pressure.
Back-to-back goals to Amy Franklin and Miller cut the margin to five points at the final change, setting up a high stakes final term. They had no answer for Hore when it mattered though as the Demons kicked away.
Bowers sends a scintillating snap though
Kiara Bowers gets the girls going with Freo's opening goal for the game
Fremantle superstar Kiara Bowers has tried to become more of an outside player in the past, but continues to be drawn back to the contest where she is a fierce tackler.
To move forward, Fremantle need her skills in space, and it was in that area that she delivered in a dominant, 10-disposal opening quarter that included a wonderful goal from a snap.
Freo remained a fierce tackling team early in the match, but it was others who stepped up to make sure the load was shared, with Bowers laying two herself.
Fast flying Franklin
Tighe opens up the forward line, to set Franklin up with a fast finish
Vote now for your Crypto.com Defining Player from today’s match.
FREMANTLE 2.1 3.2 5.3 5.6 (36)
MELBOURNE 2.1 5.2 6.3 10.6 (66)
GOALS
Fremantle: Bowers, Tighe, Kauffman, Franklin, Miller
Melbourne: Hore 3, Zanker 2, Duffy 2, Harris, Pearce, Purcell
BEST
Fremantle: Bowers, Miller, East, Tighe, O'Sullivan
Melbourne: Hanks, Purcell, Hore, Zanker, Paxman, Harris
INJURIES
Fremantle: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
