Jeff Garlett snuffs out Brisbane fightback to get Melbourne home

CHARLIE Cameron lit up the Gabba but Brisbane’s spirited fightback was snuffed out by some late Jeff Garlett heroics as Melbourne recorded its first win of the season.

Charlie Cameron is fast becoming a fan favourite at the Gabba. Picture: AAP

WELCOME to the jungle, Charlie Cameron.

While Lions fans would go home disappointed that a late blowout led to a 26-point Melbourne victory, they would be thrilled that Charlie Cameron is making a habit of lighting up the Gabba.

Demon Jeff Garlett booted two final quarter goals against the run of play after Brisbane had chased down a 37-point deficit with a stunning third quarter to draw level.

The Lions were full of run until a series of crucial turnovers allowed Melbourne, a side many tipped to make the top eight, to avoid a 0-2 start to the season with a 14.16 (100) to 10.14 (74) victory.

Garlett’s third goal, a beautifully crumbed snap, at the 17th minute mark of the final quarter was Melbourne’s first goal since the seven-minute mark of the third quarter.

When Lions star Dayne Zorko missed a simple set shot from 30m almost dead in front just moments later, the Demons went coast to coast before Garlett again found himself on the end of the footy with a vacant goalsquare in front of him and the air went out of the Lions’ sails.

Charlie Cameron soars over Jordan Lewis. Picture: AAP

Then when Jesse Hogan, who had been one of the Demons’ best all day, booted back-to-back goals to finish with five for the match, it became a blowout that erased what had been a gutsy effort by the Lions.

Cameron, who booted four goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Crows last time he played at the Gabba, was a shining light in a typical night for the Lions where their effort could not be questioned but their execution fell short.

He was a constant menace in the forward half and finished with three goals from 16 quality touches.

He has been among the Lions’ best in both their games this season.

Jesse Hogan and Jeff Garlett booted nine goals between them. Picture: AAP

The Lions were beaten-up by the heavyweight Demons in the opening half but managed to address that area after the main break.

Zorko again had to contend with a tag, this time by veteran Bernie Vince, and once again struggled early before working his way into the game.

Although he struggled to be damaging on the outside, he was constantly on the move around the stoppages and won nine clearances, many of those after halftime.

He also made a team high 11 tackles.

It was just his inability to hit the scoreboard, until the final quarter, that made the tactic a success for the Demons.

Cedric Cox made the most of his call-up to replace Daniel Rich and although he made one or two errors, he provided great run off half back when many others weren’t prepared to take the game on.

BRISBANE 0.3 2.6 5.11 10.14 (74)

MELBOURNE 5.4 8.7 9.11 14.16 (100)

GOALS

Lions: Cameron 3, Christensen 3, Bewick, Zorko, Hipwood, Cox

Demons: Hogan 5, Garlett 4, Jones 2, Fritsch 2, Neal-Bullen,

BEST

Lions: Cameron, Christensen, Cox, Taylor, Zorko

Demons: Hogan, Garlett, Oliver, Jones, Petracca

INJURIES

Lions: Nil

Demons: Nil

Reports: Nil

Official crowd: 17, 141 at the Gabba