Carlton have moved into the AFL top eight for the first time this season following a solid 61-point win over struggling Melbourne at the MCG.
It was the third time in six matches this year that the Demons had been held to eight goals or less.
And to make matters worse, they lost co-captain Jack Grimes to a shoulder injury in the opening quarter.
After being held goalless in the opening term, Melbourne played their best football of the match in the second quarter, where they outscored the Blues by a point to trail by 27 at halftime.
But it was largely one-way traffic in the second half, with Carlton piling on another 10 goals to five to win 18.13 (121) to 8.12 (60).
The Carlton attack looked much more balanced with the inclusion of key-position player Jarrad Waite, playing his first senior game of the year after recovering from a calf injury.
Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts kicked four goals apiece for Carlton, while captain Marc Murphy was impressive with 28 possessions and three goals.
Midfielder Matt Jones was among Melbourne’s best, while Lynden Dunn did a good tagging job on Chris Judd.
Demons utility Luke Tapscott was reported late in the third quarter for a high bump on Kade Simpson.
After starting the Mick Malthouse era with three straight losses, the Blues have now won their last three games.
Sunday’s victory saw them move into eighth spot on the ladder, above Richmond on percentage.
Carlton will also start as short-priced favourites in their next match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Monday week, while the Demons will be eyeing a rare victory when they host Gold Coast back at the MCG on Sunday.