Friday night's blockbuster fizzled into a one-sided exhibition as the premiers demolished Brisbane by 58 points in front of a stunned sell-out crowd at the Gabba.

For the Lions, it was sadly reminiscent of the 64-point hiding suffered eight weeks ago at the MCG. It was the fourth straight time Melbourne has accounted for Brisbane.

Any time the Lions tried to move the ball through the corridor, Melbourne was there to either pressure or intercept. They simply could not get through the premiers' defensive web despite winning the inside-50 count 58-50.

The Demons kicked the first three goals of the game to quieten the crowd of 32,172 and did not look back. They kicked seven consecutive goals in a rampant second quarter.

Battle of the Brownlow favourites

Lachie Neale and Clayton Oliver entered the match as two of the Brownlow Medal favourites, with any votes acquired tonight having the potential to decide the count. Neale was arguably Brisbane's best player, racking up 29 touches and six tackles, but if either is to catch the eyes of the umpires, it's Oliver. The Melbourne midfield maestro was in everything for the victors, finishing with 30 disposals, including 13 clearances that often got his team on the front foot.

 Rayner's tackle

Cam Rayner is certain to come under scrutiny from Match Review Officer Michael Christian for a first-quarter tackle on Ben Brown. The Melbourne forward gathered the ball in the middle of the Gabba when Rayner pinned an arm to him in an attempt to bring him down. Brown was sent into a half-spin and landed face first on the rock-hard cricket wicket area. He left the field with a bloody nose but returned shortly after to be a critical player for the Demons.

BRISBANE            1.1         2.3         5.6          8.9 (57)
MELBOURNE        6.2       13.3       17.4       18.7 (115)

 
GOALS  
Brisbane: Daniher 2, McCluggage 2, McCarthy, McStay, Rayner, Robinson
Melbourne: Fritsch 4, Pickett 4, Brown 3, Petracca 2, Jackson, Langdon, Lever, Melksham, Neal-Bullen

 
BEST  
Brisbane: Neale, McCluggage, Mathieson, Prior

Melbourne: Oliver, Brayshaw, Pickett, May, Lever, Petracca, Hunt

INJURIES  
Brisbane: Berry (ankle)

Melbourne: Jackson (knee)

LATE CHANGES

Brisbane: Nil

Melbourne: Christian Salem (groin) replaced by Jake Bowey

SUBSTITUTES  
Brisbane: Mitch Robinson (replaced Berry in the fourth quarter)

Melbourne: James Jordon (replaced Jackson in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 32,172 at the Gabba