Four goals from star forward Jesse Hogan have helped Melbourne to a 32-point AFL win over Fremantle at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

In steamy Top End conditions on Saturday night, the Demons set up the 12.15 (87) to 8.7 (55) win with a dominant first half.

Jack Watts booted three goals in the first term as his side leapt to a 29-point lead at the first break, with Melbourne stretching that lead to 50 points in the third quarter before the Dockers mounted a belated challenge.

Demons skipper Nathan Jones inspired with 35 possessions, while former captain Jack Grimes excelled in his first senior game of the season with 32 disposals.

Dom Tyson and Jack Viney were also prominent around the stoppages, where Max Gawn dominated with 43 hitouts, while Tom McDonald was outstanding at the back with 31 touches and 10 marks.

Freo’s Lachie Neale impressed with 33 disposals, but the Dockers came out on the wrong side of a lopsided 465-329 possession count.

Former skipper Matthew Pavlich booted three goals in a side that squandered late opportunities to close the gap further.

The win snaps a run of four losses in a row in Darwin for the Demons and breaks a seven-match losing streak against Fremantle.

Melbourne improved to a 7-8 record with the result as they prepare to take on St Kilda next week, while the Dockers remain mired in the bottom three with a 3-12 record.