MELBOURNE has threatened Carlton but run out of steam to lose by 41 points at a wet MCG on Saturday.
It took the Blues just over 15 minutes to set up what would be their match-winning lead when opening with their best quarter of the season.
Carlton did have to withstand a valiant Melbourne comeback in the third term - which saw the margin slashed to 19 points - but kicked away again in the final quarter to win 15.11 (101) to 9.6 (60).
It wasn't all good news for the Blues, with utility Jarrad Waite (three goals) reported for rough conduct in what was an otherwise superb first game back from suspension. His existing record will leave him to sweat on the findings of the match review panel.
Ryan Houlihan booted a career-high four goals with his three in the first term crucial, while Andrew Walker continued his great season in defence and Andrew Carrazzo shut down the dangerous Aaron Davey.
For Melbourne, young gun Jordan Gysberts (27 disposals) again impressed and Brent Moloney (27), Cale Morton and Jack Grimes were solid contributors.
Veteran James McDonald curbed Chris Judd's influence, although the Carlton captain did break free to play a significant role in his side's last-quarter burst.
Carlton had kicked the first five goals of the match, and though Melbourne seemingly worked its way back in, the Blues extended the gap to 38 points at half time.
The game looked over when rain started to bucket down 10 minutes into the third term, but it woke the Demons from their first-half slumber.
Just when Waite kicked Carlton to a 41-point lead, Melbourne set about bridging the gap.
It was suddenly first at the contest and better negotiated the conditions to kick five of the next six goals.
By three-quarter time, the Demons were within striking distance and - despite both sides tiring - had all the momentum.
But they rarely ventured forward in the final term as Carlton slammed on four goals, including two in a minute to Eddie Betts.
Carlton 7.4 9.6 11.7 15.11 (101)
Melbourne 2.2 3.4 8.6 9.6 (60)
GOALS
Carlton: Houlihan 4, Waite 3, Thornton 2, Betts 2, Simpson, Carrazzo, Robinson, Judd
Melbourne: Green 3, Watts, Sylvia, Bate, Jetta, Jones, Moloney
BEST
Carlton: Walker, Carrazzo, Scotland, Robinson, Houlihan, Waite, Judd
Melbourne: Gysberts, Moloney, McDonald, Bruce, Green, Grimes, Morton
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Melbourne: McDonald (hamstring soreness), Jones (hamstring), Frawley (back spasms) replaced in selected side by Warnock
Reports: Jarrad Waite (Carlton) reported by umpire Michael Vozzo for charging Matthew Bate (Melbourne) in the second quarter
Umpires: Vozzo, Armstrong, Pannell
Official crowd: 49,745 at the MCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
