In a tough contest, both sides wrestled with the momentum all night, with the Demons finishing the stronger to run out 14.13 (97) to 11.5 (71).
Bailey Smith fought hard all night with 33 disposals and 11 tackles, while Aaron Naughton was the chief destroyer forward, kicking four goals.
Vice-captain Jackson Macrae collected 39 touches in a strong showing.
Melbourne burst out of the blocks to kicking the opening four goals, before a Cody Weightman set shot on the siren kept the Dogs in the contest.
The Dogs would go on to kick the next eight majors in a stunning display, with Naughton causing havoc for the Demons defenders.
A nine-point lead for the Dogs at the break looked ominous, however the Demons pulled away in the second half, kicking eight goals to three.
Bontempelli also had injury concerns with an ankle problem, but played out the game.
A bumper crowd of 58,002 attended at the MCG on Wednesday night.
The Dogs will next face Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, the first game in front of the red, white and blue army since July.
MELBOURNE 4.5 6.6 10.8 14.13 (97)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.2 8.3 8.5 11.5 (71)
GOALS
Melbourne: Brown 3, Fritsch 2, Petracca 2, Langdon, Viney, Bowey, Jackson, Gawn, Harmes, Pickett
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Treloar 2, Crozier, Weightman, Dale, Hannan, Bontempelli
BEST
Melbourne: Petracca, Brown, Oliver, Fritsch, Viney, Langdon, Jordon
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Naughton, Smith, Dunkley, Dale, Treloar
INJURIES
Melbourne: Lever (foot) replaced in selected side by Tomlinson, Salem (knee)
Western Bulldogs: Martin (omitted) replaced in selected side by Gardner, Johannisen (leg soreness) replaced in selected side by Crozier
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Bedford (replaced Salem)
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan (unused)
Crowd: 58,002 at the MCG
