Carlton are cursing botched opportunities and two crucial injuries after their frantic eight-point AFL loss to Melbourne.
The Blues kicked the first three goals of the last quarter on Sunday at the MCG, but the Demons handled the pressure better.
Melbourne kicked the last three goals of the match to win 14.6 (90) to 12.10 (82) and put a tough week behind them.
It also meant the Demons are among three teams level on points with fourth-placed Port Adelaide.
The Demons were without several key players on Sunday because of injury, especially co-captains Jack Viney and Nathan Jones, Jack Watts and Dom Tyson.
Then Carlton lost Patrick Cripps (leg) and Simon White (knee) in the second term, giving them two less interchange rotations.
It proved telling - Carlton lost despite having two more scoring shots and winning disposals, contested possessions, inside 50s, clearances and tackles.
The developing Blues lost no friends on Sunday, but an upset win went begging.
"It just reinforces that we have some strong characters who will dig in deep - great resilience," said coach Brendon Bolton.
"We'll never blame rotations as a reason, because the game requires you to find a way.
"Our guys found a way to get enough looks in the last (quarter) and just didn't quite complete those plays.
"You take a lot out of that ... like our supporters, (we feel) losing always hurts."
Tom McDonald proved the difference with four goals and he continues to be a revelation for Melbourne in his new role as a key forward.
At the other end, young Blues forward Charlie Curnow surely deserves a Rising Star nomination after his starring role.
Melbourne have had five games this season decided by eight points or less and this was the third they have won.
While the last week has been tough for the Demons, they also had a major morale boost as key forward Jesse Hogan returned successfully from two months out after cancer surgery.
He understandably looked rusty, but teammates ran from everywhere to offer congratulations when he kicked a goal in the second term.
Young Blues small forward Sam Petrevski-Seton kicked a contender for goal of the year at the start of the last term and it sparked their three-goal surge.
But it was the Demons who made the most of their opportunities.
"(I'm) incredibly proud - it was a big week for the footy club in a lot of ways, a lot has happened," said coach Simon Goodwin.
"We clearly didn't play our best footy and we clearly have some people out, but they continue to find a way."
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