Melbourne beat Fremantle by four points at the MCG on Saturday, 17.11 (113) to 17.7 (109), in front of 40,938. The Dockers led at every change after quarter time and did not lead at the only one that counted.
Fremantle went into the last break eight points up, 14.4 (88) to 12.8 (80). Melbourne kicked 5.3 in the final term to Fremantle's 3.3.
The sides were level at quarter time, 5.2 apiece. Fremantle edged three points clear by half time and stretched it to eight by the last change, never far enough ahead to look safe on a day when neither defence held for long. Thirty-four goals were kicked between them.
Kysaiah Pickett had 27 disposals and two goals for Melbourne, the most of any player on the ground. Tom Sparrow had 24 and kicked two. Harrison Petty, Bailey Laurie and Harry Sharp kicked three each, and Bayley Fritsch added two, spreading the scoring across eight goalkickers.
Fremantle's goals came from a shorter list. Jye Amiss kicked five and Patrick Voss four, nine of the Dockers' 17 between them. Matt Johnson had 24 disposals and Caleb Serong 21.
Fremantle stay on top of the ladder with 18 wins and three losses, eight points clear of Sydney and holding a percentage of 143.4 that no other side is near. The loss costs them nothing in position and something in the argument that they are uncatchable.
The result matters more to Melbourne. The Demons move to 14 wins and seven losses, level on 56 points with Brisbane and Adelaide and sitting sixth on percentage at 107.6. Brisbane are fourth at 117.8 and Adelaide fifth at 117.6, which is the gap Melbourne has to close with the ladder this tight.
Hawthorn hold third on 58 points after Friday night's loss to Brisbane at the Gabba. Geelong are seventh on 52, the Western Bulldogs eighth on 48, and Collingwood ninth on 46, so the last places in the eight are still moving.
Round 22 closes on Sunday night at Marvel Stadium, where St Kilda host Carlton in the sixth Spud's Game. The same two clubs open the AFLW season on the same ground earlier in the afternoon.
