Melbourne overcame the emotion surrounding its first game without defender Troy Broadbridge to post a comprehensive 45-point win over an under-strength Brisbane in the Wizard Cup match at Cazaly Stadium.

The bulked-up Demons, playing without Broadbridge for the first time since his tragic death in last year's Asian tsunami disaster, rode an emotional roller-coaster early before romping to a 3.10.11 (98) to 0.7.11 (53) victory.

Not even Brisbane's experienced defensive unit of Justin Leppitsch, Chris Johnson, Mal Michael and Chris Scott could stop the Melbourne juggernaut with the Demons making the most of their first hit out of the year.

Paul Wheatley booted two enormous super goals while Cameron Bruce also nailed a nine-pointer to go with his two majors as the Demons set up the winner of the Essendon-Carlton match to be played tomorrow.

Both teams struggled in the opening term with Bruce's super goal the only highlight of a dour quarter.

The action soon heated up after the first break however with the Demons pouring in three goals in as many minutes to open up a 31-point margin.

Brisbane, missing 11 senior players, hit back through a clever goal to young gun Anthony Corrie before Yze and Robertson converted late in the quarter to give Melbourne a stranglehold on the contest.

Wheatley's second super goal midway through the third term secured the win for the Demons who extended their lead to 52 points heading into the final quarter.

Two-time premiership winner Daniel Bradshaw showed why he's set to replace Alastair Lynch as the Lions' go-to man up front with the opening two goals of the fourth term.

Bradshaw and Corrie both put in performances that should see two of Brisbane's five vacant positions wrapped up in the aftermath of a mass player turnover.

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