1. Membrey's time to shine
Tim Membrey has been the main beneficiary of Nick Riewoldt's move to the wing and he continued his fine season against the Demons. Without the reliance on Riewoldt, the Saints are far less predictable and far more effective, with extra opportunities for Membrey, Josh Bruce and Mav Weller. Membrey booted a game-high four goals to be the game’s most dominant forward. The young Saints forward took 10 marks, including six marks inside 50. With Demon Sam Frost (illness) a late withdrawal, the powerful former Swan was able to take advantage against Oscar McDonald and the out-sized Josh Wagner.
2. The first of many for young Demons
After years of poor drafting and ineffective player development, Melbourne has managed to get the formula right in the past three years. Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw, picks No.2 and No.3 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, appear to be astute investments and look stars of the future. However, until Sunday the pair had never played an AFL game together. Brayshaw, who finished fifth in the Rising Star Medal count last season, had a standout debut season to play 21 games in 2015. Petracca did not play a match after tearing his ACL in February that year, but has returned strongly this season and is one of the favourites for this year's Rising Star award. With Brayshaw battling ongoing concussion symptoms, this was just his fourth match of the season. Both Petracca (19 disposals and two goals) and Brayshaw (23 disposals) were solid in the Demons' loss.
3. Wasteful kicking takes shine off
St Kilda led by just 11 points at three-quarter time but the margin should have been far greater. The Saints booted 2.6 in the third term and their forward pressure was phenomenal as they kept the ball constantly locked in their forward half, but failed to capitalise on opportunities. Despite looking down and out, Melbourne booted three goals at the end of the quarter, including Jack Viney's long-range bomb from outside 50 and Max Gawn's clutch set shot from a tight angle. Deservingly, the Saints closed out the match with five goals in the final quarter to underline their dominance throughout the contest and claim a 36-point victory.
4. Hogan in hot water?
Melbourne can ill afford to lose spearhead Jesse Hogan but after he was reported in the fourth quarter against the Saints, it is a situation they may have to contemplate. Hogan was reported for a swinging elbow on Saint Jarryn Geary after he jostled with his opponent in a marking contest. Hogan made contact with Geary's head with his elbow, as he attempted to free himself from Geary's clutches. The contact was high but it is debatable whether the contact is forceful enough to warrant a suspension. The star Demon may get away with a fine and, if so, Melbourne will breathe a deep sigh of relief.
5. The Demons' Docklands headache continues
Melbourne snapped its seven-game losing streak against Fremantle in Darwin last week, but could not end its run of losses to St Kilda. The Saints have now defeated the Demons in 14 straight games, going 2-0 in 2016 after their 39-point win in round six. Melbourne's last win against St Kilda came in the 2006 elimination final. The Demons' hoodoo at Etihad Stadium also continued, with Melbourne now losing 24 of its past 25 matches at the venue. Melbourne has taken steps to end a number of streaks it has been facing this season but it's clear the Demons have a way to go before they overcome the mental hurdles completely.
