1.The 100-plus Dees
For the fourth time this season, Melbourne scored more than 100-points, bringing up the ton in its blistering nine-goal third quarter. It took until the final round of 2015 for the Dees to pass 100 points in a game last season. It will also be the first time since 2011 that Melbourne will enter round eight with a percentage over 100. But more than the numbers, it was the style of the Demons' win that would have long-suffering supporters excited. Yes, they were helped by some Gold Coast injuries, but this outfit looks just a lick away from being a consistent performer with a wonderful mix across the ground. Don't book September holidays just yet, Demons fans.
2. Viney sets Dees alight
Jack Viney was the spark. The tough-as-nails midfielder started the second half in stunning fashion, booting two inspirational goals in the opening minutes to get the Melbourne engine room roaring. From there it was a procession with Melbourne dominating the midfield, running harder, getting first to the ball and using the footy well the numerous times they took it forward. We all know Viney is an animal when the ball needs to be won, and it mightn't hurt Rodney Eade to pull out Viney's tape for his midfielders to study before a trip to face Greater Western Sydney next round.
3. Gazza's struggles continue, injuries cruelling the Suns
It's not quite with the nostalgic lament of Frank Sinatra crooning Send in the Clowns (look it up, kids), but, gee, it was tough watching the Little Master search for his magic again. In a week in which he admitted being challenged by his teammates, most expected Gary Ablett to have a monster game. Sadly, it wasn't to be. Ablett's struggles simply continue. He was well held and looked lost for answers at times. Broadcast footage appeared to show Ablett copping a mouthful from Suns fans as he left the arena; fans, you'd think, who might want to remember all the joy the champ has brought them since he ventured north. Another, albeit more often recurring theme for the Suns is the club's ever-growing injury list which ballooned again with critical blows during the second-quarter. Recruit Matt Rosa (hamstring) and Alex Sexton (shoulder) sat out the second-half, watching from the sidelines as the Demons ran away.
4. Tom Lynch is the best forward in the game
Seven rounds in and Tom Lynch, the 23-year-old contested marking star from Blairgowie in Victoria, is the best forward in the game. Lance Franklin and West Coast's Josh Kennedy remain firmly in the argument, but no man in the AFL can match Lynch's all-round ability, in the air, on the ground and in front of goal. Lynch kept the Suns within distance of the Dees in the first half and when things dried up and Melbourne wrangled control of the game early in the third quarter it was Lynch who tried to summon some spirit from the Suns. His four goals make it 28 for the season, one behind Franklin in the race for the Coleman.
5. Rename July 31, 2016, Eade Versus Roos Day
Rodney Eade and Paul Roos share a long history. Eade, who has coached the most matches of any current AFL coach (346), was Roos' coach at the Sydney Swans for three seasons, including 1996 when the Swans made it to the last Saturday in September only to fall short against North Melbourne. And it was Roos who replaced Eade as Swans coach when Eade's time came to an end midway through 2002, building a premiership team in the process. Since then, the two have faced-off in the coaches box 12 times with this Melbourne win evening the ledger at six-apiece. The Dees host the Suns in round 19 at the MCG on the last day of July in a match which could be the last time these famous men face-off, provided Roos holds true to his retirement promise and the clubs don't meet in the finals. For Eade and the Suns, the latter looks miles off. Roos already lays claim to a Swans premiership and a sculpure of himself outside the SCG, which has us thinking 'Rocket' will be primed to claim a final prize over his former pupil.
