Inspired by an eight-goal second term theDemons snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 17-point winover Adelaide, 13.11 (89) to 10.12 (72).

After an even first term Melbourne blew the Crows off the MCG with aneight-goal second term avalanche inspired by midfielders Brad Green and CameronBruce who dominated the middle of the ground.

It was the Dees'best quarter of the year and one that reduced the Crows, a side tipped tofinish top four, to an undisciplined and rudderless rabble. In stark contrastto Adelaide’s woe was Melbourne’s intensity, commitment and zestfor the contest.

The opening five minutes was an intense as Melbourne has been allyear but despite that passion, the team trailed by five points at the first change,largely due to the work of Crow onballers Tyson Edwards and Simon Goodwin.  

Melbourne coach Neale Daniher’s instruction to his players at the first breakwas simple – kick more, handball less.

Demon star Bruce was certainly listening.He kicked the opening goal of the second term, set up the next with a pass toNathan Jones and dished off another to Aaron Davey after marking 20 metres out.The flurry of goals inspired the side and across the board they responded tothe example being set by the elder statesmen.

It was simply all Melbourne.

A rock solid defence led by Nathan Carroll,Daniel Bell and Daniel Ward was right on top; Bruce, Brock McLean, TravisJohnstone and Green controlled the midfield, and up forward anyone of a numberof forwards looked dangerous every time the ball was pumped in.

Bruce and Greenshared 40 possessions between them to half time on route to best afielddisplays.

Adelaide was so shell shocked it tried to stem the flow by playingpossession football for the final five minutes of the half just to keep Melbourne from completelyshutting the gate.

Try as the Crows did to get back into thegame after the main break Melbournehad all the answers. Simon Godfrey did a fine job quelling Scott Thompson,Carroll was right on top of Crows skipper Mark Ricciuto and Davey was wreakinghavoc all over the field with his unique combination of speed, skill andawareness.

Melbourne’s cause was helped by the fact Crow centre half forward Ian Perriewas off the ground with an injured wrist while Brent Reilly limped off in thesecond term and did not return.

But, is mattered little. Despite the Crowskicking the opening four goals of the final term to cut the margin to threegoals, the Demons steadied when Neitz sent a 60-metre bomb through the middleand from there the result was never in doubt. The only downer on the day a kneeinjury to Davey late in the game.

While finals are gone, the win signalled Melbourne will make lifeextremely uncomfortable for top eight aspirants in the second half of the year.It also gave the faithful something to cheer about.