1. Watts' heroics
On a beautiful winter's day at the MCG on Sunday, Jack Watts, once much-maligned by Demons' fans, became the hero. Down by four points and with two and half minutes left on the clock in the final term, Watts kicked truly to put the Demons back in front. But his heroics didn't end there. 90 seconds later he took a match-saving mark in the goal square in his defensive half after Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch attempted to kick a goal on the run from 50m. In a dramatic finish, Watts then kicked to teammate Bernie Vince in the pocket, who had a brain fade and attempted to kick up the line, only for the ball to be cut off by none other than Lynch just outside 50. The siren sounded, with Lynch launching a kick from outside 50 which fell agonisingly short to hand the Demons their eighth victory for the season.
2. Harmes shows courage
Demon James Harmes showed huge commitment, taking a courageous mark in the centre of the ground early in the third term. With Kade Kolodjashnij charging towards him, Harmes bravely took the mark as contact was made. The 20-year-old was helped off the ground by two trainers and was physically ill, but after 10 minutes on the bench, he managed to return to the field. The young Demon finishing the match with 23 disposals to his name and was one of the best performers in the win over the Suns.
3. Suns jump out of the blocks
There were ominous signs for the Demons early with Gold Coast kicking the opening three goals of the game. Paul Roos' men did not appear switched on with two of those goals coming directly from Melbourne turnovers. The Suns used the football much more effectively and made the most of their opportunities. Melbourne was on track for its first goalless opening quarter for the season, but fortunately Watts kicked truly at the 23-minute mark to put the Dees on the scoreboard. A quarter-time spray for Roos seemed to do the trick as the Demons were a completely different unit after the first break. They kicked five goals to one in the second term, and laid 24 tackles to 18 as they lifted their intensity. But in a scrappy affair filled with turnovers, the Demons couldn't maintain their dominance, with the Suns coming home strongly in the last term. It wasn't a great game to watch but a thrilling finish all the same.
4. Gawn dominates, but young Suns stand up
Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn had a day out against his much younger and less experienced opponent Tom Nicholls. The Demon registered a lazy 37 hit-outs by half-time, and finished the game with 60, three short of his career best. He was a dominant force but unfortunately the Demons' midfield didn't take enough advantage of his brilliant tap work. Melbourne may have won the clearances 37 to 25, but the young Suns held their own. In the absence of midfield stars Gary Ablett and Dion Prestia, Touk Miller (21 disposals) and Alex Sexton (18 disposals) continued to stand up and take charge of the midfield. Helped by former Eagle Matt Rosa, the Suns battled hard at the stoppages, giving the more experienced Melbourne midfield a run for their money.
5. Beware of the post
Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan came off second best when he slid into the behind post as he marked the football in the second term. His left knee connected with the base of the post, and he struggled to take his kick. He limped around the Dees' attacking half for a little while before eventually coming off to have his knee assessed. While he played out the game, he had his knee re-strapped several times and looked very uncomfortable out on the field. With a six-day break before facing the Hawks, Hogan may struggle to get up in time.
