In fact,the Lions were completely dominant around the ball,with total clearances 60 to 32. Dunkley helped himself to another nine and Lachie Neale eight. Clayton Oliver fought hard as his team made its final surge,but it was too late.
The Lions’ win was also highlighted by a vintage performance from former captain Dayne Zorko. In his first game for the year,Zorko was dynamic,kicking two goals from half-forward,giving off a couple more,and often steadied his team when the Demons threatened.
Players waited on the arena after the lights went out.Credit:Getty Images
Melbourne were already missing Steven May,withdrawn before the match with a hamstring injury,and defender Jake Lever often looked like he was doing the work of two men as he desperately tried to stem the flow early in the game.
The Demons succeeded in slowing the Lions down,pulling back a 31-point margin to 20 with a goal to Bailey Fritsch in the shadow of half-time. Ben Brown,moving more freely than he has in years,was another to make a mark on the contest.
The lights went out at the Gabba.Credit:Channel Seven/ Twitter
After half-time,though,it was the Lions who surged. Charlie Cameron had a moment of brilliance,toeing a ball through on a half-volley. Zac Bailey,another player who can make a big impact with a handful of touches,took another half-chance.
Conor McKenna made an intercept and fast break from half-back that finished with Zorko’s second goal to stretch Brisbane’s margin to 39 points,all but ensuring the Lions would salute before the match was stopped.
BRISBANE LIONS6.2 8.4 13.5 14.9 (93)
MELBOURNE 2.1 5.2 7.5 13.4 (82)
Goals – Brisbane Lions: Daniher 4 Cameron 2 Bailey 2 Zorko 2 Berry Ashcroft McInerney McCarthy.Melbourne:Fritsch 3 Brown 3 McDonald Petracca Neal-Bullen Hunter Chandler Oliver.
Best – Brisbane Lions: Zorko Ashcroft Dunkley Andrews Neale Berry.Melbourne: Oliver Lever Brown Brayshaw Petracca Fritsch.
Injuries – Brisbane Lions: Nil.Melbourne: May (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Tomlinson;Gawn (knee).
Umpires: Fisher Stephens Heffernan Mollison.
Crowd: 30,047 at The Gabba.