Melbourne are daring to dream that anything is possible under first-year coach Steven King after overpowering Hawthorn in a convincing 39-point win.
The Demons' offensive firepower was on full show as they turned a six-point half-time margin into an 18.12 (120) to 12.9 (81) triumph in front of 68,557 fans at the MCG on Saturday.
It improves Melbourne's season record to 7-3 as they leapfrog the Hawks (6-3-1) into fifth spot on the ladder.
"It is a good platform and great recognition for all the work that we've done," King said.
"I dare to dream that our players win every game that they play in, and today was no different.
"Internally our perception is we want to win every game of footy we play in.
"Looking at our squad, I don't think looking at how many games we've played or how young we are should impact the way the game goes.
"We've got a nice blend, and 7-3 gives us a good start to keep pushing ahead."
Melbourne broke away from Hawthorn with 12 goals after halftime and kicked 51 points clear in the final term, posting a triple-figure score for the seventh time in 10 rounds this season.
Jack Steele (26 disposals, six clearances) and Tom Sparrow (27 disposals, eight clearances) were key ball-winners, Harvey Langford (18 touches, two goals) shone on a wing, and Harrison Petty kicked three goals.
Max Gawn (18 touches, eight clearances) was influential in the ruck, helping turn the stoppage game Melbourne's way after quarter-time, while Daniel Turner and Jake Lever stood tall in defence.
Dees X-factor Kysaiah Pickett was blunted by Finn Maginness for periods, but still had a say in the outcome with 13 disposals and two goals.
"It was one of those ones where we just had to keep at it and be stronger for longer," King said, noting the first half was an arm-wrestle.
"It was a game of moments and contests ... if we could just be strong at critical times and win those contests, we'd start getting a little bit more momentum."
Hawthorn, who missed injured spearhead Jack Gunston and key defender Tom Barrass, have lost two and drawn one of their past three games.
Dylan Moore was the Hawks' best with 27 disposals and two goals, while Karl Amon (28 touches) and Jai Newcombe (24) had plenty of the ball.
Nick Watson kicked three goals from nine touches, but was limited by Koltyn Tholstrup.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell conceded his side was simply outworked by a better side on the day.
"We pride ourselves on our work-rate, and we got a lesson today," Mitchell said.
"I think they won ground-ball by 18 or 20 and they just looked a little bit more hungry than we did today.
"You can't win many games at this level of footy if you're out-hunted by the opposition."
