The Sydney Swans have atoned for a shock loss to the Western Bulldogs last round, with high-priced forward Kurt Tippett firing his side to an emphatic 38-point win over Melbourne on Saturday night.
But it was soured by a potentially serious knee injury to rising star Isaac Heeney, who was substituted in the second quarter when he landed awkwardly after a marking contest.
It was a rare lowlight for the visitors, who effectively killed the match when they piled on seven goals to one before half-time.
Returning to the MCG for the first time since last year's Grand Final debacle, the Swans produced the four-quarter performance they sorely lacked last September to run out 12.16 (88) to 7.8 (50) winners over the Demons.
Tippett booted four majors and feasted early on the high-quality delivery from his teammates, with Tom Mitchell and Josh Kennedy (two goals) leading an impressive midfield brigade.
The Swans weight of forward 50 entries (61-31) overwhelmed the Dees, although in-form Melbourne defender Tom McDonald could hold his head high after keeping superstar Lance Franklin goalless. Christian Salem and skipper Nathan Jones also fought hard for Melbourne, but it was to little avail as the Dees repeatedly butchered the ball.
The Swans' win snapped a two-game losing streak in matches against the undefeated Fremantle and the Bulldogs.
Melbourne didn't lack effort, and despite never being in the match after quarter-time Paul Roos' men weren't far behind on tackles (74-86) or contested ball (-8) against the AFL's No.1 ranked side. But their skills were ordinary at times and deplorable at others, with the Swans ruthlessly punishing turnovers in fine conditions.
First-gamer Billy Stretch was Melbourne's only goalkicker to half-time, with last year's No.42 draft pick joining the first kick, first goal club with a composed set shot at the 11-minute mark of the first term. But the Swans booted 10 of the next 11 majors, laying the groundwork for their fourth win of the season.
The victory was the Swans' ninth from the past 11 clashes with the Dees – which includes one draw – and lifts them to third on the ladder with a 4-2 record.
John Longmire's men face Geelong at ANZ Stadium in round seven, while Melbourne (2-4) will tackle wounded reigning premiers Hawthorn back at the MCG.
The Dees might have an anxious wait to see if midfielder Bernie Vince is available against the Hawks after a high bump on Mitchell in the second term, although the Swans onballer was able to take his free kick and carry on.
MELBOURNE 1.1 1.3 4.5 7.8 (50)
SYDNEY 4.3 7.6 11.9 12.16 (88)
GOALS
Melbourne: Garlett 2, Hogan 2, Stretch, Newton, Dawes
Sydney: Tippett 4, Kennedy 2, Pyke, McGlynn, Jetta, Hannebery, Parker, Goodes
BEST
Melbourne: McDonald, Salem, Jones, Hogan, Vince
Sydney: Mitchell, Kennedy, Tippett, Jack, Parker, Jetta, McVeigh
INJURIES
Melbourne: Dawes (right knee), Tyson (left knee)
Sydney: Heeney (right knee), Lloyd (ankle), Hannebery (left ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Watts replaced Pedersen in the third quarter.
Sydney: Goodes replaced Heeney in the second quarter.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Findlay, Harris
Official crowd: 26,894 at the MCG
