Melbourne has bounced back from its heartbreaking Round 1 loss, but needed to survive a sensational Brisbane Lions comeback before winning 14.16 (100) to 10.14 (74) at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Demons led by 42 points early in the third quarter, but scores were leveled when Allen Christensen kicked his third goal 10 minutes into the final term, during his 100th AFL game. 

But with the 17,141 home fans roaring, Melbourne steadied, with Jeff Garlett roving beautifully to snap a goal, then adding another three minutes later to give the visitors some breathing space.

The latter came just moments after Dayne Zorko missed a simple set shot from 30m out and Melbourne swept the ball the length of the ground for Garlett to convert.

The Demons then ran away to win 14.16 (100) to 10.14 (74) to even their ledger at one win and one loss.

The Lions drop to 0-2 ahead of trips to play Port Adelaide and Richmond in the next fortnight.

Charlie Cameron (three goals) was dynamic, looking like he would single-handedly snatch his team victory.

After being easily their most dangerous player in a flat first half, the former Crow burst to life with two goals in two minutes early in the last quarter before Christensen levelled the scores.

The Lions will be left to rue their wastefulness with the ball though.

Much like their loss against St Kilda last week, the Lions failed to use the ball effeciently in the opening quarter, gifting Melbourne a 31-point lead.

Jesse Hogan was superb for Melbourne, kicking five goals to go with 22 disposals, nine marks (six inside 50) in a complete forward's performance.

Garlett was also brilliant, kicking four goals all up and giving off two others, while Clayton Oliver (34 disposals, 21 contested) led a midfield that bullied their younger opponents in the first half.

BRISBANE     0.3   2.6   5.11  10.14 (74)
MELBOURNE  5.4   8.7   9.11   14.16 (100)

GOALS
Brisbane:  Cameron 3, Christensen 3, Bewick, Zorko, Hipwood, Cox
Melbourne: Hogan 5, Garlett 4, Jones 2, Fritsch 2, Neal-Bullen,

BEST 
Brisbane: Cameron, Christensen, Cox, Taylor, Zorko
Melbourne: Hogan, Garlett, Oliver, Jones, Petracca

INJURIES 
Brisbane: nil
Melbourne: nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Fisher, Rosebury, Hosking

Official crowd: 17, 141 at the Gabba

BRISBANE     0.3   2.6   5.11  10.14 (74)
MELBOURNE  5.4   8.7   9.11   14.16 (100)