Dynamic duo Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca have propelled Melbourne to a 31-point dismantling of Port Adelaide.
The pair had 64 disposals between them in the Demons' classy 12.14 (86) to 8.7 (55) win on Thursday night at Adelaide Oval.
The eye-catching Petracca (33 possessions, seven clearances) also kicked three goals while Oliver's 31 touches featured 11 clearances.
The pair put on a midfield masterclass as teammate Tom McDonald slotted three goals - the sixth time he's booted three or more in 16 games this season.
His teammate Kysaiah Pickett also kicked three majors to rediscover touch while recalled forward Ben Brown (10 disposals, four marks) was lively in the first half.
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn controlled the rucks with 31 hitouts to his Port rival Scott Lycett's 21.
Gawn was also astutely deployed in back-play near Port's linchpin Charlie Dixon, who was kept to two goals including a consolation after the final siren.
Port's former captain Travis Boak (25 disposals, eight clearances) and Ollie Wines (33 touches) continued their fine form.
Winger Karl Amon (28 possessions) was influential and emerging attacker Mitch Georgiades briefly sparked Port hopes with a two-goal cameo and soaring mark.
But the Power's premiership credentials have taken another hit from a genuine contender.
Of Port's five losses, four have been to flag fancies - the Western Bulldogs, Brisbane, Geelong and now Melbourne.
The Power slip from fourth to fifth and the gap may widen with Brisbane (third) and Geelong (fourth) favourites to create breathing space with wins over St Kilda and Carlton.
And compounding Port's problems, comeback kid Zak Butters was substituted from the game with a knee injury.
The 20-year-old playmaker was on return after missing since round four because of ankle surgery.
Butters exited in the third quarter, when the Demons' McDonald rallied his troops.
Melbourne led by 26 points in the second term but the Power then snuck within nine after a Georgiades burst - he took a spectacular high pack mark and potted two goals.
But infuential Demon McDonald then retorted with two majors in three minutes, giving the visitors a valuable 22-point three quarter-time lead.
Melbourne aces Petracca and Pickett then again took centre stage, scoring goals to effectively quash any thought of a Port revival - the home side didn't score a major until Dixon's post-siren strike.
