Essendon have notched up their best win of the AFL season, hanging on to defeat reigning premiers Collingwood by 12 points at the MCG.

The Western Bulldogs will be put to the test in July as they face four consecutive matches against top-eight rivals, starting with Port Adelaide away.

Port Adelaide has blitzed Western Bulldogs by 48 points in a statement win at Adelaide Oval to climb into the top four.

Gold Coast have maintained their home fortress with a 14-point defeat of Port Adelaide that denied the Power a move to fourth on the AFL ladder.

Top-four chasing Geelong have shaken off Collingwood to claim a 20-point victory at the MCG for their third win on the bounce.

Last-placed North Melbourne have stunned Gold Coast and kept them out of the AFL top eight with a four-point win at Marvel Stadium.

The Sea Eagles have thrashed the Knights 44-6 at Brookvale Oval to rocket themselves back inside the top eight.

Adelaide kept threatening but the Brisbane Lions held on for a fifth straight AFL win that puts them just one victory away from the top four.

Adelaide, with winger Lachlan Sholl continuing his breakout season, have beaten St Kilda by 32 points at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval.

Kysaiah Pickett has kicked two goals in his 100th AFL game as Melbourne moved into the top eight with a 17-point win over Essendon at a wet MCG.