It's hard to agree that the changes worked though as Fenton was given a torrid examination, particularly in the opening spell, by the Victory, while Wellington missed Brockie's attacking prowess in the front three.
The problem with making changes is it can hurt your combinations and Wellington lacked the fluidity of recent weeks.
Michael McGlinchey, one of the Phoenix's best to start the season, barely saw the ball in the first spell as transplanted left back Manny Muscat was unable to make the most of McGlinchey's presence up top.
The Victory came in to the game light on troops after they were ravaged by injuries and suspension following a disastrous FFA Cup clash with Perth last week.
The biggest loss for Melbourne was striker Besart Berisha, who is arguably the A-League's premier goal-poacher, but the Victory could still call upon the dangerous Kosta Barbarouses and Archie Thompson to lead the attacking charge.
Melbourne's opening goal came via a free kick from Gui Finkler in the 24th minute as the Brazilian hammered a ball towards the box, which left Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss flummoxed as the ball hit the back of the net without taking another touch.
Moss's vision was clearly impeded with players attempting to get in to the path of the ball but the All Whites custodian could have come for the cross.
An entertaining first spell was finished off by Phoenix striker Nathan Burns failing to take a golden scoring opportunity after he was put through on goal by a delightful pass from Roly Bonevacia.
Down 1-0 at the break, Merrick knew he needed to find something, so Brockie was summoned from the bench to given Wellington a spark.
The visitors looked comfortable during the second half but were unable to trouble the scorers as the last pass was rarely there for them.
Almost against the run of play Victory substitute Connor Pain doubled Melbourne's advantage when he grabbed a crucial goal with 20 minutes left.
Pain had only been on the field 55 seconds when he dodged the attention of Fenton and buried the ball home.
From there it was panic stations for the Phoenix as they desperately needed a goal to find their way back in to the contest and give themselves any hope of an unlikely comeback.
But it wasn't forthcoming as Wellington copped their second defeat of the season.
Melbourne Victory 2 (Gui Finkler 24, Connor Pain 68)
Wellington Phoenix 0 halftime: 1-0.
