GEELONG 0.14.13 (97) bt MELBOURNE 3.9.3 (84) at TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs.
WHAT HAPPENED
Geelong stormed out of the clocks in Alice Springs, kicking six goals to three to lead Melbourne by 23 points at the first break.
The Demons lifted in the second term, adding two super goals and two majors as they closed to within five points at the main interval.
Geelong flexed their muscles in the third, kicking four unanswered goals as they opened a 32-point buffer heading into the final quarter.
The final term was a victory for the Demons, who kicked two majors and added another super goal, while also keeping the Cats goalless.
ANY FALLOUT
No fallout but it was good to see ruckman Hamish McIntosh back on the field. The injury plagued big man managed 10 hitouts and six disposals in what is sure to encourage Geelong fans.
WHO STARRED
Josh Caddy was among the best for Geelong, racking up 29 disposals in the club's final NAB Challenge hit-out, while veteran Steve Johnson also had 29 touches.
Mitch Brown was the leading goal-kicker for the match, finishing with three majors. Mitch Duncan, Harry Taylor and Jimmy Bartel all chipped in with multiple goals.
New recruit Daniel Cross was a standout for the Demons as he claimed 32 disposals and took 10 marks, while fellow recruit Bernie Vince was also dominant with a game-high 34 touches and a super goal.
WHAT ABOUT MY SPORTAL FANTASY TEAM
At this early stage of the season it is probably a wise decision to include Cross in your fantasy team. The former Bulldog midfielder ended with 126 points, the most of any player on Friday night.
And it could be the coming of age for Caddy, who registered 117 fantasy points in the Cats' win.
WHERE TO NEXT
Melbourne continue their pre-season preparations when they play host to reigning premiers Hawthorn at Casey Fields on Saturday, March 8.
The Cats are back in action a day earlier, welcoming North Melbourne to Simonds Stadium on March 7.