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.
Melbourne now sets itself for a critical clash with Richmond at the MCG next Sunday as it continues its late run on the top eight.
Colin Sylvia starred for the Demons, with 31 possessions and two goals. The rebound from half back provided by Joel MacDonald (22 possessions) was also valuable for the Demons, while Mark Jamar continued his stellar season with 21 possessions and 33 hit-outs.
Dunn's three goals were also a key to the win, with his final goal a mighty effort on tired legs deep into a mistake-riddled last quarter.
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
