Melbourne Victory have ended Brisbane Roar's unbeaten start to the A-League season with a crushing 3-0 win at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
After a quiet first half, the game burst into life on 51 minutes when substitute Tom Pondeljak threaded a superb shot to put the first goal past Michael Theoklitos all season.
Five minutes later, an audacious piece of play from Brazilian Ricardinho embarrassed Brisbane defender Luke DeVere, as the international marquee signing stuck his foot between DeVere's legs to make it 2-0 for the home side.
Melbourne's first-ever win at their new home stadium was wrapped up on 71 minutes when Grant Brebner struck a beautiful long shot past Theoklitos again.
The message was clear from the perennial league powerhouse that after an indifferent start to the season, they are back close to their best. Significantly, it was a win achieved without Robbie Kruse, who was injured, with their experienced players, such as Pondeljak, Billy Celeski and Carlos Hernandez, to the fore.
The only sour note was a late ankle injury to Kevin Muscat, with the skipper forced off the field.
With their second win of the season, they leap up the ladder, ahead of Brisbane on goal difference, with the Roar's unbeaten start to the season coming to a shuddering halt. Melbourne face Wellington at AAMI Park in three days' time.
Brisbane were made to pay for 20 minutes of sloppy defence, in particular from DeVere, who had an afternoon to forget. They play top-of-the table Adelaide United next Saturday needing to rediscover some form, having scored just two goals in five games.
Melbourne Victory 3 (Pondeljak 51, Ricardinho 56, Brebner 71)
Brisbane Roar 0
Crowd: 13,792 at AAMI Park