Like the second term, the Demons opened with three goals, yet this included two from Col Garland.
Garland’s efforts helped the Demons grab an 11-point lead.
And although Jobe Watson kicked Essendon’s only goal at the 19-minute mark, the Dees were able to hang on for a famous six-point win to record their first win of 2012.
Melbourne 8.10 (58) d Essendon 6.16 (52)
Third quarter
The third term was almost a reversal of the second term.
Essendon booted the opening three goals, before Mitch Clark kicked Melboune’s first in time-on.
But the Dons regained the lead and entered the final term with an eight-point advantage.
Ess 5.13 (43) to Melb 5.5 (35)
Second quarter
The Demons had a fine second term, kicking three goals to one.
Cale Morton, Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones kicked one each for Melbourne, while Alwyn Davey registered Essendon’s first at the 25-minute mark.
At half-time, the Dees led by six points.
Melb 4.3 (27) to Ess 2.9 (21)
First quarter
The opening term was dominated by Essendon’s inaccuracy in front of goal, which kept Melbourne right in it.
The Dons kicked 1.6 to 1.2, resulting in a three-point lead.
Essendon skipper Jobe Watson kicked the first goal, while Jeremy Howe opened Melbourne’s account mid-way through the term.
Ess 1.5 (11) to Melb 1.2 (8)
