MELBOURNE'S spot at the top of the ladder is suddenly under threat after the Dees were defeated by nine points by a plucky GWS outfit at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Giants started strong, and were able to withstand a late surge from the Demons to run out victors 9.10(64) to 7.13(55).

The Dees sat one game clear at the top of the ladder heading into the game, but could now lose top spot if the second-placed Bulldogs win against the last-placed Kangaroos on Sunday.

The Demons were slaughtered around the clearance in the first half, only managing one goal in the first quarter.

The Giants led by 25 points halfway through the second term, but the Dees fought back, booting a goal right before halftime to enter the main break with the momentum.

GWS were wasteful in the third quarter, withstanding Melbourne's increased pressure but failing to make it count on the scoreboard.

A goal from Bailey Fritsch gave the Dees the perfect start in the final term, but the Giants were able to settle quickly, with Lachie Whitfield slotting one on the run to wrestle momentum back.

The Dees turned the heat up a notch in the final term, placing GWS under immense pressure and surging through the corridor to attack the goals with gusto.

It proved too little too late for the Demons however, with the Giants managing to hold them off until the final siren.

Stand-in skipper Toby Greene was huge for the Giants, booting three goals in the first half.

Giants midfielder Josh Kelly was prolific, racking up 29 disposals and booting one goal, while Jacob Hopper managed seven clearances.
 
For the Demons, midfield bull Christian Petracca had 30 touches, while Christian Salem racked up 31.