The Kangaroos have held off a typical Sydney fightback to win an AFL classic at Telstra Dome by 16 points.

The Swans closed to within four points in the last term after trailing by five goals at the final change, but the 'Roos kicked the last two goals of the game to win 16.15 (111) to 14.11 (95).

Kangaroos small forward Shannon Grant was best afield with 22 possessions and four goals, including the last of the match, as his side won its third straight game.

Sydney suffered from a slow start, but nearly stole the game in an absorbing second half.

After struggling against Kangaroos full-back Michael Firrito in the first half, Sydney key forward Barry Hall kicked four goals after half-time, including three in the pulsating final term.

Michael O'Loughlin took a towering mark late in the game, but it was denied under the controversial hands-in-the-back rule.

Sydney co-captain Leo Barry provided one of the highlights of the game - and a candidate for mark of the year - with his towering grab early in the third quarter.

"Leaping Leo" took one of the most famous marks in AFL history with his game-saving grab late in the 2005 grand final and this one looked even better.

Despite Barry's efforts, the Kangaroos increased their lead to 39 points midway through the quarter and the game looked almost over.

Sydney quickly fought back, kicking four goals to one and reducing the margin to 22 points.

With Sydney pressing, Brent Harvey gained possession on a half-back flank, broke a tackle and delivered the ball superbly to Corey Jones, alone in the centre.

His kick deep into attack found livewire small forward Matt Campbell, whose snap sat the goal umpire on his backside and took the margin out to 30 points at three-quarter time.

That was also the half-time margin and the Kangaroos' ability to hold off the Sydney surge was crucial.

The 'Roos had several opportunities to put even more pressure on Sydney during the second term, but could only manage 1.4.

The home side led by 35 points at quarter-time after kicking the opening six goals of the match.

The pro-Kangaroos crowd booed Goodes whenever he went near the ball after his controversial reprimand earlier this week at the AFL tribunal.

This was the first match in Melbourne between these two sides since 1998, when the Kangaroos won at the MCG.

All their games since had been played in Sydney or Canberra.

The Swans made one late change, with Amon Buchanan's knee injury ruling him out for Jarred Moore.

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