Geelong beat Melbourne, but it was not the massacre most expected, as the Cats won by 30 points in their round three AFL game at Skilled Stadium.

In a game that never hit any heights as a spectacle, Geelong were made to work hard after Melbourne shocked a packed house by booting the first three goals of the game.

But Geelong's reply of seven goals, either side of quarter-time, was the crucial spell of the game and ultimately decided the game, as the Cats won 16.16 (112) to 12.10 (82).

Tom Hawkins booted five goals for the home side, although three of them came near the goal line, while Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson and Cameron Ling all booted two.

Midfielder Joel Corey was good for the Cats, Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett and Josh Hunt excellent in defence, while Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel and Paul Chapman got plenty of the ball, although their usual efficiency was a little down.

The highlights of the game came when the contest was over, as Chapman kicked a nice snap, Hawkins took a huge hanger deep in the pocket and soon after he unloaded a long bomb with the wind behind him.

Although Melbourne's kicking skills and attacking targets were again well down, the Demons at least battled hard throughout the match to earn a honourable defeat following successive defeats of 104 and 95 points.

The Demons actually got within five points in the third quarter after youngster Cale Morton got a toe-poke through for a goal, and pigs started warming up to fly.

But the Cats booted the last three goals of the quarter and then Hawkins' long major sealed the win and continued the reigning premier's perfect start to 2008.

Geelong fans also celebrated the pre-game unfurling of the Cats' 2007 premiership flag, along with the club's VFL premiership flag.

Cameron Bruce booted three goals for the Demons and Morton, Brock McLean, Paul Wheatley and Nathan Jones all tried hard, while Austin Wonaeamirri showed good signs in his debut.

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