THE WESTERN Bulldogs are still on track for a top-eight finish after a thrilling win over Melbourne at the MCG.

It wasn't their most convincing win of the year but Luke Beveridge's side slotted six final-quarter goals to remain in the hunt for September after holding on by just six points, 15.15 (105) to 15.9 (99).

The Bulldogs were wary of the caretaker coach bounce, yet struggled to extinguish the Demons until the sun set over Jolimont.

Aaron Naughton continued his late-season surge towards a maiden All-Australian blazer, booting five goals for the fourth time in six weeks to go with the seven he slotted against Essendon in round 20.

The 25-year-old kicked the sealer in time-on of the fourth quarter, juggling a mark that was sailing through for a behind back into play, before snapping his 55th goal of the season to move back to outright third in the Coleman Medal.

Melbourne fought until the final siren, reducing the margin to six points when Daniel Turner moved forward and kicked a goal with 55 seconds left. But then Sam Darcy ran back with the flight like Nick Riewoldt at the SCG more than 20 years ago to keep the Dogs' season alive in a moment that will be replayed for years to come.

Outside Brownlow Medal chance Ed Richards continued his brilliant campaign with another dominant display, finishing with two crucial final-quarter goals to go with 31 disposals, 15 score involvements, 17 contested possessions and 14 clearances in a dazzling display, while Marcus Bontempelli collected 33 touches.

Naughton and Darcy kicked the opening two goals amid a stack of Western Bulldogs entries and Bailey Dale did as he pleased off half-back, racking up 14 touches in the first quarter, but when Jai Culley kicked a goal just before the first break, the margin was only two points, with the Bulldogs wasting plenty of early chances.

Naughton struck his next chance sweetly, nailing a set shot from 40m on the wrong side for a left-footer, just when they needed some class. Despite registering 11 fewer inside 50s in the first half, Melbourne remained in the game at half-time.

Naughton drilled the first two goals of the third quarter in the space of four minutes. After kicking 19 goals across the first 12 rounds, the West Australian has 35 majors since round 14.

After kicking only four in the first half, Melbourne booted seven goals in the third quarter to put the Bulldogs' season on the brink at three-quarter time. After a week in which head coach Simon Goodwin departed after 11 years at the club, Melbourne produced a spirited display full of grit for almost 120 minutes.

But the Dogs had more to play for. Richards showed why he is on course for a maiden All-Australian blazer with two brilliant goals just when the Bulldogs needed it most. The first was on the run from outside 50m, the second a clever snap.

But, again, the Demons weren't prepared to cave. Blake Howes entered the game in the final quarter and kicked the first goal of his career 20 minutes into the last quarter after being crunched while taking a courageous grab.

Moments later, two father-son recruits produced a special moment when Darcy found Rhylee West, who put the Dogs back in front in time on. Then Naughton juggled a ball back into play that was sailing through for a behind, before snapping through his fifth.

MELBOURNE                        3.4      4.6      11.9      15.9 (99)  
WESTERN BULLDOGS          3.6     5.10     9.11     15.15 (105)  

GOALS
Melbourne: Melksham 2, Fritsch 2, Petty 2, van Rooyen, Pickett, Petracca, Gawn, Culley, Chandler, Turner, Howes, Langford
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 5, Richards 2, Darcy 2, Williams, McNeil, Bramble, West, Garcia, Cleary

INJURIES
Melbourne: Windsor (hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Blake Howes (replaced Tom Sparrow in the fourth quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Riley Garcia (replaced Jedd Busslinger in the third quarter)

Crowd: 34,733 at the MCG