Brisbane gave themselves a mountain to climb with their flat first-half performance in the 24-point defeat to Melbourne, admitted coach Justin Leppitsch.
The Lions managed just one goal before the long break, as Paul Roos' side built up a 32-point advantage.
Kicking three goals to none in the third term, Brisbane gave their fans hope they could go on and record their first win in eight games.
But it was a false dawn, and though Allen Christensen brought the margin back to 20 points with the first goal of the fourth quarter the Demons were able to comfortably close out the game.
Leppitsch said it had been the Lions' flattest performance for more than a month, adding: "We didn't look on top of the ground at all; we were very reluctant runners today.
"We lost our way for the first half a bit and we couldn't kick enough goals to get the scoreline back."
Star onballer Pearce Hanley needed to be subbed out at half-time with a hamstring concern and is likely to be ruled out of next weekend's clash with North Melbourne. Dayne Beams was also severely restricted by a right shoulder injury.
The Lions' back-to-back victories in May against Carlton and Port Adelaide remain their only wins of the year.
Their meeting with Gold Coast at the Gabba in three weeks' time seems likely to settle the issue of who will end up with the wooden spoon this year, as the Suns have also only picked up two wins. Brisbane are 6/5 to suffer most losses in the AFL season.
Leppitsch cited Christensen's performance as one of the positives from the defeat. "He's another guy that's come in from another club that's setting a standard for us this year and that's the standard we want," said the coach. "He's getting better and better with each week."
Brisbane are 3.25 to win their next match against North Melbourne, who are 1.35 to secure a victory.
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