1. Melbourne and GWS lock in finals opponents
A dangerous-looking Melbourne has booked a home elimination final against Geelong at the MCG in two weeks after a comprehensive victory over Greater Western Sydney. The Giants will now face off against cross-town rival Sydney in the other elimination final. The result of Sunday's game was to determine the final places in this year's top eight, and Melbourne's dominant third term made those results automatic. Melbourne and Geelong have already played in two heartstoppers this season, with the Cats triumphing by three points in round one and two points thanks to Zach Tuohy's set-shot kick after the siren in round 18. The Swans and Giants went toe-to-toe in round 22, with Sydney getting up by 20 points. They will be enthralling showdowns.

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2. Demons suffer unwanted injuries before finals
Melbourne looks set to go into this year's finals series without speedy forward Dean Kent, who suffered a serious shoulder injury against Greater Western Sydney. The Demons will also be sweating on the fitness of midfielder Dom Tyson (left wrist). Kent only made his return to the senior side against West Coast last week, kicking a crucial goal to help secure the Demons finals after a long-term layoff due to a hamstring injury suffered against Richmond in round five. Tyson had been one of the Demons' best up until half-time but was forced to leave the field after being accidentally kicked in the wrist in the second quarter by teammate Max Gawn. Tyson did not return to the field after half-time and the Demons are fearful he may have broken his left wrist. Jake Melksham clashed heads with James Harmes in the second quarter but was cleared of concussion.

3. Gawn saves his best until last 
The argument could be made that Max Gawn has been the most influential player in the AFL this season and he did nothing to suggest anything to the contrary on Sunday. Gawn was again exceptional against GWS, with the ruckman smashing Rory Lobb in the ruck. Gawn has 13 disposals and 22 hit-outs to half-time, working back into defence to assist the back six and motoring forward to provide an attacking option. The Melbourne big man led the competition for hit-outs and hit-outs to advantage, putting together one of the most dominant seasons by a ruckman in recent memory. Such has been the quality of his season, his effort against the Giants might be his best for the year. The bearded big man finished with 18 disposals, 37 hit-outs, six marks (three contested) and a goal. He will be a weapon for the Demons in September.

4. Giants need their heavy artillery to return
Greater Western Sydney badly needs an influx of its most talented injured players if it is to make any inroads in September. The Giants also need to hope the injury suffered by Rory Lobb is not too serious, with the big man spending the final quarter on the bench with back tightness. Zac Williams (achilles) should be ready to return after two games in the NEAFL, while Toby Greene (hamstring) and Aiden Corr (groin) may also be ready to resume. Greene's return would add class and an all-important hard streak to a team that needs some A-grade talent leading into its September campaign. Sam Taylor (hamstring) and Brett Deledio (calf) are also chances to return from their injuries. If they can't get any of those significant players back, they will go into September with a shaky bottom six players and have to rely on their top players to haul them over the line.

5. Melbourne gives a good glimpse of its finals capabilities
The Demons are a dangerous proposition in September, given their scoring power and ability to take the game away from the opposition. Their performance in the third quarter was electrifying, with the Demons booting five goals to nil in a little more than 20 minutes. Greater Western Sydney was the top team in the competition for contested possession differential from round 11 onwards, but the Demons blew them out of the water by going +28 in that category. Melbourne's intent and effort was clear to see as well with the Demons out-tackling their interstate opponents 60-46. If the young Melbourne team can stay poised, Simon Goodwin's side will be a tough adversary for any fellow finals participant.