The Demons trailed by two goals at quarter time, but edged clear in the second term and controlled the game in the second half to win 16.18.114 to 12.7.79.
Melbourne ruckman Jeff White was best afield and was among several Demons to kick two goals apiece, while key forward David Schwarz was also strong after a slow start.
Fremantle midfielder Dion Woods was easily his side's best as he beat Brownlow Medallist Shane Woewodin and Daniel Schell kicked three goals.
Melbourne forward Russell Robertson provided a late highlight when he soared at centre half-forward to take a contender for mark of the year.
But Dockers defender Dale Kickett did not appreciate the grab - Robertson collected his head with a knee on the way up and Kickett had to be taken off on a stretcher.
The game had no effect on the top eight, with the two sides well out of finals contention.
Scoreboard:
MELBOURNE: 3.2, 8.6, 11.12, 16.18 (114)
FREMANTLE: 5.3, 6.5, 7.7, 12.7 (79)
Goals: Melbourne: J Farmer 2 B Green 2 A McDonald 2 D Neitz 2 J White 2 S Godfrey R Robertson D Schwarz T Simmonds L Williams A Yze. Fremantle: D Schell 3 S McManus 2 M Pavlich 2 P Bell S Koops A McPhee J Norrish J Walker.
Best: Melbourne: J White D Schwarz S Godfrey T Johnstone R Funcke A Nicholson. Fremantle: D Woods M Carr A McPhee.
Injuries: Melbourne: Nil. Fremantle: D Kickett (concussion, cut above eye), S Eastaugh (corked thigh).
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: S Jeffery, H Kennedy, D Woodcock.
Official crowd: 12,566 at Colonial Stadium.
