Melbourne have escaped with a five-point win against a brave Gold Coast to return to the top of the AFL ladder.
The Demons' 13.12 (90) to 13.7 (85) win, an 11th-straight over the Suns, came despite Gold Coast's midfield matching their all-star cast.
Darcy McPherson missed his shot to tie the game with 20 seconds on the clock, while key forward Ben King was earlier controversially denied a free kick as the Suns hunted the go-ahead goal.
Gold Coast were without injured trio Touk Miller, Ben Ainsworth and Lachie Weller but up stepped Noah Anderson (36 touches, one goal).
He and Matt Rowell (11 clearances, 13 contested possessions) held sway with Christian Petracca (26 touches, one goal) and Clayton Oliver (28 touches).
McPherson (30 disposals) and Wil Powell (25 disposals) were influential for the Suns.
The Demons skipped clear early in the first term and again in the second but the hosts rallied on both occasions, only a late Alex Neal-Bullen goal handing them a seven-point lead.
Fullback Charlie Ballard was stretchered off for Gold Coast after copping a knock from Jacob van Rooyen's spoil and his side trailed by 15.
But Anderson soccered to himself to score a great goal then Malcolm Rosas Jnr snapped his fourth after more great up-field pressure.
The Suns pressed for the go-ahead goal but King wasn't rewarded despite appearing to be dragged down as he led for a mark.
McPherson still had the chance to tie the game but his set shot went right for a behind and the Demons were able to see out the clock and improve to 6-2.
Max Gawn was everywhere for the Demons in the first half, adding two goals, but was kept honest in a stoic ruck battle with Jarrod Witts.