1. Demons end 12-year hoodoo
Melbourne's victory, harder fought than expected, has lifted it to 2-0 for the first time since 2005, while Carlton is 0-2 for the fifth consecutive season. The rising Demons entered the clash as hot favourites but the diehards were wary given they'd been lulled into such false confidence before, most notably in the second-last round last year when they blew their faint finals hopes by crashing to an upset loss to the battling Blues. Those nerves weren't eased when Carlton piled on six successive goals to lead by nine points in the third term, before the Demons steadily ground them down with seven of the last nine goals.
2. Off-the-ball incidents put Demons Hogan and Lewis in the gun
The Demons' frustration was evident in the third term with off-the-ball incidents involving Melbourne pair Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis certain to be scrutinised by the Match Review Panel. As Christian Petracca lined up for goal, Hogan put big Blue Sam Rowe on his backside, resulting in the Demons losing the ball. Midway through the term, Matt Wright nailed his third goal from a deft snap to give the Blues the lead for the first time and, as the Blues celebrated, veteran Lewis made contact with Carlton young gun Patrick Cripps with a left hand to the face. Blues players rushed from everywhere to remonstrate with the former Hawk, who was playing just his second game with his new club. Both 'victims' played out the game, seemingly without any ill effects.
3. Daisy's rollercoaster afternoon
For a variety of reasons, including just plain bad luck, Dale Thomas' stint at Carlton just isn't working out, and early on it seemed the former Collingwood star would endure another dirty day against the Demons. Many had questioned Thomas' place in the Blues' line-up after a below-par performance in the round one loss to Richmond, and more questions were being asked when the high-priced 29-year-old managed just one touch in the first term. His day appeared over when he copped a knock to the outside of his right knee in a marking contest in the second term, but he returned and showed great mental strength to take a vintage screamer and set up a crucial Dennis Armfield for a goal on half-time. Back in the midfield, he amassed 12 touches in the third term to help inspire a surprise fightback and finished with 20. Young teammate Jack Silvagni also hobbled off in the second term with a corked thigh and ankle problem but played on.
4. Is Dom, is very good
In his first game back after suffering a pre-Christmas knee injury, Dom Tyson not only got through unscathed but was one of the Demons' most consistent performers with 32 possessions and a dribbling, last-quarter goal. The smooth left-footer started on the bench but soon worked his way into the contest, being typically hard on the inside and a good link-man on the outside. The 23-year-old's disposal was a little rusty at times but will no doubt sharpen up that area of his game with more game time.
5. Salem's PB
Before the clash with Carlton, Christian Salem's best effort from a possession perspective was 27 (against Geelong in the final round last year). A career-best tally appeared inevitable when the classy left-footer had a game-high 21 touches by half-time, four more than anyone else on the ground. The 21-year-old wasn't as dominant across half-back after half-time but still managed to accumulate 31 possessions. The Demons were too cute with the ball early but Salem was one of the few to penetrate with purpose.
