Although the game was all but over entering the final term, the Giants managed to kick three goals to two in the last quarter.
Rivers added his fourth for the match - a career-best - and Matthew Bate registered Melbourne’s 20th for the match.
In the end, the Demons won their second match for 2012 by 78 points.
Melbourne 20.15 (135) d Greater Western Sydney 9.3 (57)
Third quarter
The Demons dominated the third term, booting seven goals to zip.
Aaron Davey kicked two for the quarter, while Rivers and Garland added their third goal each for the match.
At the final break, Melbourne led by 78 points.
Melb 18.8.116 to GWS 6.2.38
Second quarter
Following an even first term, the Demons upped the ante in the second quarter, booting five goals to one.
After Clark and Rivers combined for Melbourne’s six first quarter goals, the Demons had five goalkickers in the second - Jack Trengove, Colin Sylvia, Mark Jamar, Jeremy Howe and Colin Garland.
At half-time, the Demons led by 32 points.
Melb 11.4.70 to GWS 6.2.38
First quarter
Greater Western Sydney got off to a flyer when it kicked the first two goals of the match. But The Demons soon answered with three in a row, including two from defender-turned-forward Jared Rivers.
Yet the Giants hit back with three of their own and by time-on, the visitors led by 13 points.
But late in the term, Mitch Clark shone with three goals in six minutes. It not only gave him four goals for the quarter, but he helped Melbourne regain a six-point lead at the first break.
Melb 6.1.37 to GWS 5.1.31
