The Demons 12.10 (82) lost to the Cats 16.16 (112) in a match that shaped as one of the most intriguing in recent history, after Melbourne was smashed in the opening two rounds by a combined total of 199 points.
As betting odds for the match soared as much as $34 in favour of Geelong pre-match, Melbourne displayed plenty of grit and determination, which had been sadly lacking against Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs respectively.
No one could question Melbourne's endeavour right from the start, but unfortunately, an inability to hit targets throughout the match was an all too familiar sight and this ultimately proved its downfall.
Still, the red and blue faithful would be buoyed by Melbourne's intent and never-say-die attitude.
Despite Melbourne's determination in the first half, seven unanswered goals from the 16-minute mark of the opening term through to the six-minute mark of the second quarter proved crucial for Geelong.
Youngster Cale Morton was outstanding in just his third AFL match. He showed why he will be a 10-year player with the club, notching up 22 disposals and chipping in with two goals.
Paul Johnson, who has been one shining light so far this season, was again among his side's best, displaying great effort across four quarters. Paul Wheatley and Brock McLean were Melbourne's leading disposal winners with 30 touches each.
In front of goal, Cameron Bruce was Melbourne's leading goalscorer with three majors.
Debutant Austin Wonaeamirri showed promise, with his chasing and tackling skills a feature.
For Geelong, young-gun Tom Hawkins showed why he is one of the best talents in the game, booting five goals in a first-class display. Joel Corey was a dominant ball-winner for the Cats, winning a game-high 34 disposals.
The Demons started in the match in top fashion. By the 12-minute mark, Melbourne had three goals to zip with Bruce, Wheatley and David Neitz all registering majors.
And when Matthew Stokes posted Geelong's fourth in a row with just seconds remaining before quarter-time, the Cats had edged in front by six points.
Early in the second quarter, it looked like party time for the Cats.
Just six minutes in, the home side had three on the board and was out to a 27-point lead, although this margin could have been greater had the Cats not booted seven behinds for the term.
This meant the Demons kept within reach and when Bruce bobbed up with his second - and Melbourne's first for the term - at the 16-minute mark, the red and blue hit back with three of its own.
In red-time, Melbourne got to within 10 points, but when Steve Johnson jagged his second just before the main break, Geelong led by 17 points.
Melbourne continued to fight hard in the third term.
Lynden Dunn opened the second half with his second and when Morton landed his second at the 16-minute mark, the Demons were just five points down.
But three Geelong goals in time-on allowed the Cats some breathing space and a 24-point buffer heading into the final stanza.
Bruce booted the first goal of the final term to keep the Demons within a three-goal reach, but a three-goal to two quarter from the Cats meant a fairytale win was denied.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club or the AFL.
DETAILS
Geelong 4.4 8.11 13.14 16.16 (112)
Melbourne 3.4 6.6 10.8 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Geelong: Hawkins 5, Mooney 2, Ling 2, Johnson 2, Blake, Ablett, Stokes, Milburn, Chapman
Melbourne : Bruce 3, Dunn 2, Morton 2, Miller, Wheatley, Neitz, White, Green
BEST
Geelong: Corey, Bartel, Hawkins, Ling, Chapman, Taylor.
Melbourne: Morton, Johnson, Wheatley, Bruce, Green.
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Wenn, Sully, Ryan
Official crowd: 23,569 at Skilled Stadium
