MATT Burgan looks at the talking points, facts and moments from Melbourne’s 45-point win against Collingwood at the MCG on Monday

1 – We love Neale Daniher

A much-loved Essendon player cut down in his prime due to injury, Daniher became one of Melbourne most successful coaches, taking the club to the 2000 Grand Final. He is just one of five men to have guided Melbourne to a Grand Final in its history. Although his football deeds have been significant, it’s fair to say his impact away from the game has been greater. Daniher, who is suffering from motor neurone disease, has become a champion for helping raise funds to finding a cure for MND, which is a progressive degeneration of the motor neurons and wasting of muscles. Sadly, at the moment, there is no cure, but Daniher is doing everything in his power to find one and help fight ‘The Beast’. His ability to help turn the Melbourne and Collingwood Queen’s Birthday clash into a cause for MND for the second year running was another outstanding feat. Not only has he touched the football fraternity and greater community at large with his remarkable determination – which was always evident as a player and coach – but his ability to still have a laugh in the face of adversity is a testament to his character and an inspiration to all.

2 – Sequel makes a greater splash than original

If ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ was Star Wars, then ‘Big Freeze 2’ was The Empire Strikes Back. The sequel was arguably better than the original, with more than $2.4 million raised – with a staggering $625,000 coming through the sales of beanies. The highlight of the campaign was seeing 11 celebrities – Samantha Armytage, Jonathan Brown, Dave Hughes, David Koch, Anthony Lehmann, Cameron Ling, Matthew Lloyd, Eddie McGuire, Matthew Richardson, Kevin Sheedy and Gerard Whateley – go down a slide and into icy water. It was simple, but highly effective theatre, putting smiles on the faces of many for a great cause.

3 – Melbourne’s first QB win since 2007

Although Melbourne notched up its third consecutive win over Collingwood, it was the first time since round 11, 2007 that the red and blue has triumphed on Queen’s Birthday – coincidentally when Daniher was coach. It was also the first time since 1988 that Melbourne has defeated Collingwood twice in a season.

4 – Seven term blitz sets up victory

After trailing by 12 points at quarter-time, Melbourne upped the ante considerably in the second term, booting seven goals to one, claiming a 26-point lead at half-time. Melbourne then won the third term by five points and the final quarter by 15 points, before it came away with a 46-point victory.

5 – Is Gawn is good

Max Gawn was outstanding with a career-best 27 disposals, 31 hit outs and three goals. He received the full nine votes from Tim Watson, Brian Taylor and Danny Frawley and duly received the Neale Daniher Trophy.

6 – Courageous Viney returns

Jack Viney’s ability to miss just one match with a fractured knucklebone – even though he couldn’t have played last round due to a one-match suspension – was an incredible effort. Viney won 30 disposals and kicked the first goal of the match and played a major hand in Melbourne’s win.

7 – Bernie Vince

Would’ve normally won the Neale Daniher Trophy in most circumstances, having amassed a career-best 42 disposals and 11 rebound 50s, but was pipped by Gawn. Vince gained six votes from the judges. Still, it was a mighty performance in the win.

8 – Ben Ken’s best game yet

Ben Kennedy had a personal-best 29 disposals against his former team, which was no surprise, given he had circled this match from the time he crossed from Collingwood to Melbourne. Coach Paul Roos said Kennedy was influential in the win. “He had a lot of the footy, a lot of critical possessions. His ball use has improved significantly since being at the club. He had a really big impact early in the season, but just dropped off a fraction, that’s why he went back to the VFL. We were really pleased with his response last week, he had 30 [disposals] and three [goals], and once he started using hands and bringing his teammates into the game in the second quarter, he was a different player and really contributed significantly to the win,” he said.

9 – Six from 12 a strong start

Six wins from 12 rounds is clearly the club’s best start since 2006, but Roos says plenty can happen from here and is not about to start looking at September. “It’s a long year and the longer you’ve been around footy the less you get carried away. We understand it can change pretty quickly, so to be 6-6 we’re really pleased, but there are still 10 games to go. We have to continue to educate and try to play really well on a weekly basis and that’s still a challenge for a young team,” he said.

10 – And now for Sydney …

With just one more match until Melbourne’s mid-season bye, the red and blue heads to the SCG on Sunday to take on the Sydney Swans. Roos said it was another great opportunity for his side on the road. “You know [when] you’re going to Sydney – and you know Sydney are a great team – they’re going to bounce back after that game against the Giants at a ground that’s a little bit small and a little bit different to everywhere else. Players have to be aware it’s going to be very difficult, so we spoke about that after the game – how we want to prepare, enjoy this win for the next 24 hours, and get ready to get back to work on Wednesday.”