Born again Melbourne added the prize scalp of Sydney to its credit after dragging itself off the canvas twice to upset the Swans by 12 points at Telstra Stadium.

Melbourne launched a second quarter blitz to turn around a 23-point first quarter deficit and lead by nine points at half time only to surrender its advantage in the third term to trail the Swans by 10 points going in the last.

Sydney's defensive vulnerability was exposed against the domineering Demon skipper David Neitz who kicked six goals from full forward.

While Scott Thompson, Adem Yze, James McDonald and Simon Godfrey racked up possessions, Neitz and Green happily took delivery.

The Demons closed out the final term when Yze led a string of three goals.

Barry Hall and Nick Davis bagged four each but their supply dried up, despite valiant if ultimately ineffective efforts by Jared Crouch, Adam Goodes and Ben Matthews.

The Telstra Stadium came under scrutiny after players plugged and twisted on its sandy surface, Melbourne's James McDonald the worst affected with a season threatening knee injury.

The ground came in for criticism earlier this year when the National Rugby League played a double header on it.

Melbourne kicked eight goals to Sydney's three in the second term to leave the Swans in disarray after a first quarter which suggested the home side might run away with game.

Sydney kicked 6.1 to Melbourne's 2.2 at the first change after its multi-faceted forwards clicked smoothly into gear with excellent service from a midfield led by Crouch, Brett Kirk and Paul Williams.

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