MELBOURNE exploded out of the blocks with an eight-goal opening term to take control of the match, and set up its 26-point win over St Kilda at Casey Fields on Thursday night.

The Saints fought back gallantly to briefly take the lead in the third term before the Dees steadied and kicked away, which pleased coach Simon Goodwin.

"There's some things we've clearly got to work on. Six goals to one in the third quarter isn't ideal, but I thought our start was outstanding. It set the game up for us," Goodwin said.

"The way they steadied at three-quarter time and got the game back the way that we wanted it, we finished off the game really strongly."

Melbourne had 13 individual goalkickers with Clayton Oliver, Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw, Jake Melksham and Jeff Garlett all slotting two each. 

"It's been something that we've been working on for a few years, to create great versatility in our forward half and also through the midfield. We've been able to do that. It's a really pleasing sign," Goodwin said.