Inspired by a vocal home crowd and their ever-improving batch of youngsters, the Demons led from start to finish as they inflicted the Lions first loss of the season 15.13 (103) to 7.11 (53).
Melbourne set up its superb victory with an inspiring first half and, in particular, second term.
Dean Bailey's side led by 11 points at the first change before booting 5.4 to 1.3 in a magnificent second quarter built on fierce pressure and contributions across the board.
Melbourne ran in numbers and, despite giving away size and experience, tackled with ferocity against its bigger opposition.
For a while in the third term it looked as if the visitors might stage a comeback.
The Demons' 36-point lead was whittled back to 28 at the final change and there were a few anxious moments for home fans who waited for the Lions to roar.
But despite possessing Jonathan Brown - who was passed fit despite pre-match speculation he might withdraw due to injury - and Brendan Fevola, Michael Voss's side got no closer in the final term.
Melbourne captain James McDonald, who led by example with his attack on the ball all night, sealed the win 12 minutes into the final term.
His first goal of the night was also the first of the final term, and that stretched the margin back to 34 points. The Lions, who looked flat and were lacking run, had only managed seven in more than three quarters and they would not boot another.
For the Dees, however, McDonald's major from 45m signaled the start of party time.
Then the team that for much of the past few seasons has been on the end of some hidings went to work on boosting its own percentage.
The win was not only their third in succession but also moved them into the top eight.
The last time a Melbourne side won three straight games was almost four years ago, from rounds 13 to 15 in 2006.
While older heads such as Brent Moloney (31 disposals) and Matthew Bate (26 and one goal) did their part, it was a look into the future for the boisterous red and blue crowd who saw newcomers Jack Trengove (24 possessions, two goals) and Tom Scully play big parts in the win.
Despite the significance of the win Dean Bailey, who just a month ago was under pressure after his side's disappointing round one loss, wasn't getting carried away with his side's form.
"There is still a lot of AFL footy to play and consistency doesn't happen over three weeks," he said. "At the end of the year after 22 rounds, then you'll be in a position to talk about consistency. I like to think we've got some good games still to play."
Michael Voss admitted his Lions had few winners.
Simon Black (32 disposals, seven clearances) was outstanding in the midfield, ruckman Matthew Leuenberger tried hard in the ruck and Matt Maguire was solid in defence.
Fevola finished with four but it didn't really happen for him or Brown, who looked hampered at times and was perhaps suffering from the ailment that prevented him from training throughout the week.
Voss said his skipper was fit but didn't see his side's "inept" performance coming.
"It was embarrassing, the way we played," he said.
"It's a very grinding season, and if you're five per cent off you're going to get a bit of a touch up.
"So this is a really good reality check for us."
Next week Melbourne will try to make it four on the trot when it plays North Melbourne, while the Lions must regroup ahead of their trip to the SCG to face the in-form Sydney Swans.
Melbourne 4.2 9.6 12.7 15.13 (103)
Brisbane Lions 2.3 3.6 7.9 7.11 (53)
GOALS
Melbourne: Sylvia 2, Trengove2, Petterd 2, Davey 2, Jamar, Green, McKenzie, Jones, Bate, McDonald, Scully
Brisbane Lions: Fevola 4, Brown, Clark, Drummond
BEST
Melbourne: Trengove, Jones, Green, Petterd, , Davey, Sylvia, Jamar, McDonald
Brisbane Lions: Black, Johnstone, Fevola, Rischitelli, Drummond, Rich
INJURIES
Melbourne: Bail (quad) replaced in selected side by Martin
Brisbane Lions: Sherman (corked thigh) replaced in selected side by Proud, Merrett (hamstring)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hayden Kennedy, Stuart Wenn, Michael Jennings
Official crowd: 36,396
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
