The Demons held the lead from the 20th minute of the first quarter and despite being outscored five goals to two in the second half held on to secure their third win from their last four games, 11.8 (74) to 9.10 (64).
After a tight opening the Demons banged on five consecutive goals to lead by 24 points midway through the second quarter before Albert Proud got one back for the Lions. But two late goals for Melbourne stretched the margin to five goals at the main break.
Another Proud cameo in the third quarter gave the Lions a sniff of another Gabba second-half comeback, and when Todd Banfield capitalised on a lack of communication between Melbourne defenders half way through the last quarter the Lions had closed the margin to five points.
But a crucial 50m penalty against Tom Rockliff for a push after a marking contest with three minutes remaining brought Lynden Dunn to within kicking distance, and he booted his third of the night to snuff out the comeback and condemn the Lions to their eighth consecutive loss.
Michael Rischitelli battled manfully for the Lions and finished with 29 possessions. Daniel Merrett was strong in defence and Daniel Rich continued his impressive switch to defence with a polished performance.
The Lions now travel to Perth to try to arrest their slide against West Coast.
Brisbane Lions 2.2 4.5 7.6 9.10 (64)
Melbourne 4.3 9.5 10.8 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Proud 3, Brown 2, Harwood, Rischitelli, Brennan, Banfield
Melbourne: Dunn 3, Sylvia 2, Green 2, Morton, Wonaeamirri, Bail, P.Johnson.
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Rischitelli, Brennan, Merrett, Rich
Melbourne: Sylvia, MacDonald, Jamar, Frawley
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: X.Clarke (hamstring), Fevola (TBC)
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: TBC
Official crowd: 26,144 at the Gabba
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
