A blistering first term from Melbourne has laid the platform for the Demons to march on in September and defeat Geelong by 29 points in their elimination final on Friday night.

The Demons kicked five unanswered goals to quarter time before running out 10.15 (75) to 6.10 (46) winners at the MCG in front of 91,767 people.

Melbourne’s reward for their first finals victory in 12 years is a semi-final date with Hawthorn next Friday night.