Melbourne overcame an error-riddled performance to snatch a dramatic two-point win over a gallant Gold Coast at the MCG on Sunday.

In gripping scenes, the final siren sounded as Tom Lynch steadied himself for the potentially match-winning shot and his huge bomb appeared on target all the way before just falling short next to the goal post.

The miss meant the Dees narrowly won 9.12 (66) to 9.10 (64) amid frantic excitement.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the SUNS who, despite having their first-choice midfield decimated, almost overran the home side in a brave performance.

But the Dees desperately clung on to the victory as fans erupted as Lynch's kick fell short.

In a game the Dees (8-10) were expected to win, enough to raise red flags in the past, the home side started slowly a week after a shattering loss to West Coast in Perth.

Gold Coast's record at the MCG was an uninspiring 2-8, but both wins had come against Melbourne and Rodney Eade's understrength side appeared confident of turning the tables from the outset.

The Demons fumbled and bumbled their way through the opening term and trailed 21-9 at the first change.

But after a bake from Paul Roos at the break, Melbourne lifted with a five-goals-to-two second quarter to lead by 12 points at half-time.

A collision between Kade Kolodjashnij and James Harmes in the middle of the MCG, which saw Harmes physically ill as he was helped from the field, showed the commitment of both sides in the hotly-contested third term.

The Dees were expected to flick through the gears to victory after Aaron vandenBerg goaled after the three-quarter time siren to extend their lead to eight points, but the SUNS had other ideas.

Brandon Matera soccered a poacher's goal and Jarrad Grant's miraculous dribbling effort put the visitors up by four points, and the SUNS had all the running – until Watts exerted himself in the dying stages.

Lynch (two goals) was a colossus for the SUNS and caused all sorts of headaches for Tom McDonald in his 100th game.

Matt Rosa (23 touches), Touk Miller (21), Jarrod Harbrow (18) and Matt Shaw (18) almost drove Gold Coast to a confidence-building victory.