Melbourne has won its opening two games of a season for the first time in four years after grinding out an 18-point victory over St Kilda.
Five consecutive goals to the Demons during the second and third quarters put a wedge between the sides in an error-riddled contest under the roof at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
New co-captain Jack Steele helped drag the Saints back into the contest briefly but the Dees steadied, with livewire Kysaiah Pickett kicking two goals in the 12.19 (91) to 11.7 (73) win.
SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and vides from Spud's Game
Compounding St Kilda's woes was a jaw injury to Jimmy Webster from an errant tackle that saw him substituted out of the match during the third quarter.
The defender joins fellow first-choice selections Dan Hannebery, James Frawley, Rowan Marshall and Jarryn Geary on a long injury list.
Pickett was dangerous around stoppages in Melbourne's forward half and showed flashes of brilliance, delivering a goal-of-the-round contender during the second term.
The work of midfielders Clayton Oliver (37 disposals), Christian Salem and Christian Petracca (both 30) was important for the Demons.
On an emotional night, St Kilda launched the inaugural Spud's Game: Time 2 Talk in memory of the late Danny Frawley - an initiative to support and raise awareness for mental health programs.
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00:57
A special tour of the DFC with Chelsea Frawley and Justin Koschitzke
Channel 7's Abbey Holmes visits the Danny Frawley Centre ahead of Spud's Game: A Match for Mental Health for a special tour state-of-the-art facility alongside Chelsea Frawley and Justin Koschitzke.
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01:06
RD15 | Danny Frawley remembered in emotional pre-game tribute
St Kilda and Brisbane players unite together before the beginning of Spud's Game: A Match for Mental Health, with Danny Frawley's great mate Jason Dunstall delivering the pre-game address.
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We are never alone: A message from Anita Frawley
When one person puts their hand up, others follow. That's what Danny showed us. So tonight, we're showing up for him and every other person who has been impacted by mental health.
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05:26
Remembering Spud: A chat with the Frawley family
Anita, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley Frawley pay tribute to the late Danny Frawley and honour his legacy through the Danny Frawley Centre ahead of the third annual Spud's Game: A Match for Mental Health.
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02:47
Draft Day! Garry and Tim select their Spud's Game sides
Spud's Game Curtain Raiser coaches Garry Lyon and Tim Watson draft their sides for next Friday's star-studded game at Marvel Stadium.
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02:48
Hamish McLachlan reflects on his friendship with Spud
Hamish McLachlan shares how his great relationship with Spud changed his life, and how he knows the Danny Frawley Centre will do the same for others. Early intervention saves lives. Help honour Spud's legacy - donate today at Movember.com/Spud
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Jack Viney kicked two first-quarter goals on return from a hamstring injury as the Demons had the better of the play early before Max King (two goals) helped spark a five-goal run for the Saints in a see-sawing start.
Pickett provided the highlight of the first half with a brilliant snapped goal, roving a pack and evading two tackles before kicking truly.
It was one of three goals in a six-minute burst that gave the Dees a four-point lead at the main break.
The trend continued in the third quarter as the sleepy Saints were made to pay for a series of errors in their back half.
Goals to Ed Langdon and Charlie Spargo made it five straight for the Dees, but they didn't put their collective foot down when given the chance.
ST KILDA 3.2 6.3 8.4 12.19 (91)
MELBOURNE 3.4 6.7 9.13 11.7 (73)
GOALS
St Kilda: Steele 3, King 2, Membrey, Battle, Billings, McKernan, Gresham, Higgins
Melbourne: Viney 2, Pickett 2, McDonald 2, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Sparrow, Langdon, Spargo, Fritsch
BEST
St Kilda: Steele, Howard, Billings, Ross, Gresham
Melbourne: Oliver, Petracca, Salem, Pickett, Gawn
INJURIES
St Kilda: Webster (jaw)
Melbourne: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Jack Bytel (replaced Webster)
Melbourne: Oskar Baker (unused)
