The Demons' 20.7 (127) to 9.10 (64) win was their highest score for the season and snapped a four-game losing streak.
After a close first term, Melbourne broke away with some of its most impressive football of the season, kicking 16 goals to six.
It was a fine effort considering Melbourne's injury list was again significant.
Nineteen players were unavailable, which left emergencies Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie and Jake Spencer, plus Simon Buckley and Trent Zomer as the only other Demons available this round.
Aaron Davey displayed some exquisite foot skills throughout the day and played one of his best matches for the season.
Starting in the middle and also playing an outside role, he provided spark, genuine class and finished with a game-high 31 disposals. He also had nine inside-50s and booted two goals.
Shane Valenti backed up his form from last round with another impressive performance to further push his claims for permanent elevation on the senior list. The nuggetty onballer collected a career-best 30 disposals.
And Brent Moloney continued his fine consistent season with 30 touches. Nathan Jones (28), Brock McLean (26) and James McDonald (25) were other fine ball-winners for the Demons.
Up forward Matthew Bate and Liam Jurrah shone with four goals each, while Lynden Dunn did a strong job on Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich. Paul Johnson was also impressive against potential All-Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands.
For Freo, Paul Hasleby claimed 27 touches to be his side's leading ball-winner.
Fremantle opened proceedings via Luke McPharlin, who kicked his side's only three majors in the first term.
Although Freo had seven scoring shots to four, Melbourne kicked truly on each occasion, resulting in a two-point advantage at quarter-time. McLean chipped in with two goals.
But Melbourne stepped up considerably in the second term, kicking five goals to four – including three in time-on – to jump out to a 27-point half-time buffer.
One of the more intriguing statistics of the first half was the free-kick count.
Melbourne had just one – given to skipper McDonald at the eight-minute mark of the second term – as Fremantle had 11.
The Demons provided two quality highlights during the second term. Davey sidestepped his way to a lovely goal as Russell Robertson took a trademark hanger, this time over Fremantle's Garrick Ibbotson.
Melbourne continued to hold sway in the third term, adding four goals to two, with Liam Jurrah, Robertson and Davey becoming multiple goalkickers.
As a result, the Demons entered the final term with a 38-point advantage.
The Demons absolutely dominated the final term, running away to a 75-point lead at the 24-minute mark, until Fremantle kicked the last two goals.
To top off one of Melbourne's most memorable days in a disappointing season, Jurrah kicked an absolute gem.
The 'Walpiri Wizard' flew for a mark and then fell to the ground, but won the ball back. He then quickly threw boot to ball and kicked it over his head, while sitting on the ground, living up to his nickname.
Melbourne 4.0 9.4 13.5 20.7 (127)
Fremantle 3.4 4.7 6.9 9.10 (64)
GOALS
Melbourne: Jurrah 4, Bate 3, Robertson 3, Davey 2, McLean 2, Johnson, McNamara, Miller, Petterd, Sylvia, Valenti
Fremantle: McPharlin 3, Mayne 2, Bradley, Headland, Hill, Suban
BEST
Melbourne: Davey, Bate, Jurrah, Valenti, Moloney, McDonald, Jones, McLean, Dunn
Fremantle: Pavlich, Hasleby, Sandilands, Broughton, Duffield
INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Nil
REPORTS
Nil
Umpires: Sully, Ryan, Wenn
Official crowd: 13,004 at MCG
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
