Geelong have survived a huge scare from Melbourne to remain undefeated with a 29-point win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The Demons, already missing suspended pair Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis, lost star ruckman Max Gawn to a hamstring injury in the second quarter but held a 15-point lead late in the third quarter.
But the ultra-accurate Cats kicked two goals in a minute to lead by three points at three-quarter time and followed up with the first three goals of the final term to record a 20.6 (126) to 13.19 (97) win.
The brave Demons kept their chances alive with a goal to Mitch Hannam seven minutes into the last quarter slicing their deficit to nine points, but crucial errors and continued poor goal kicking were costly.
While Melbourne repeatedly spurned gilt-edged scoring opportunities, Geelong kicked a remarkable 16 goals straight at one stage.
The Cats' efficiency was evident in the second quarter when the Demons dominated inside 50s 15-6 only to kick 5.7 to Geelong's 4.0.
Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield was quiet in the first quarter but finished strongly, gathering 36 possessions and kicking three goals.
Joel Selwood, the other half of the vaunted 'Dangerwood' double act, was also important with 35 disposals and a goal.
Tom Hawkins was the dominant forward on the ground, finishing with five goals, while Daniel Menzel booted four.
Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones worked tirelessly for his 36 possessions, but was one of the many who were wayward in front of goal, kicking three behinds.