1. Melbourne exorcises its Demons
Collingwood's hold over Melbourne on Queen's Birthday extends back to 2007. Despite regarding the marquee game as their 'Grand Final', the Demons have perennially struggled on the big stage. But not this season. Melbourne shook off a slow start to make a statement on Monday, kicking seven goals to one in the second quarter to seize control of the match. Nathan Jones (31 touches and five clearances) and Bernie Vince (42 disposals and 11 rebound 50s) had blinders, Max Gawn dominated after quarter-time (27 disposals, 31 hit-outs and three goals) and Jesse Hogan (three goals) was a beacon in attack. The Demons also received significant contributions from Christian Petracca (20 disposals and one goal) and Clayton Oliver (16 touches and eight tackles)
2. Bucks' big selection blunder
It was a big call by Nathan Buckley to play Mason Cox (211cm), Jarrod Witts (209cm) and Brodie Grundy (203cm) in the same side. The move backfired spectacularly as Collingwood was unable to apply the pressure needed to trap the ball in its forward half. By overlooking Travis Cloke, the Pies had Jesse White, Witts and Cox inside 50 as their forward options. If the trio could not mark it, Melbourne could simply rush the ball out of defence and create forward forays from Collingwood's turnovers. Tom McDonald had a picnic in defence. White, Witts and Cox kicked just three goals between them on a day where the Magpies kicked just eight goals (four after quarter-time) for the afternoon.
3. Viney gives the Dees a hand
Melbourne shocked many when it named Jack Viney in its team for Monday's game, just two weeks after breaking the knucklebone in his hand against Port Adelaide. Viney passed a rigorous fitness test on Saturday to prove he was ready to play. The tough midfielder played the game with a glove on his left hand. Viney was thrust straight into the thick of the action by starting in the middle and booted the Demons' opening goal with a clever soccer kick. The midfielder did not have the impact that he has generated for much of 2016 but he still played a valuable role, finishing with 30 disposals and six clearances.
4. A win-win trade
Former Demon Jeremy Howe and ex-Magpie Ben Kennedy both performed strongly against their former teams on Monday. The duo were part of a four-way trade deal that also involved Paul Seedsman moving to Adelaide and Jimmy Toumpas to Port Adelaide. Howe has been a welcome addition to a struggling Collingwood backline and held up well under immense pressure to be one of the Magpies' best. After coming back into the team following a best afield performance in the VFL last week, Kennedy hit his straps and was particularly influential in the second term. The zippy forward had 29 touches, 10 marks and a goal to cap off a very satisfying day against his old side.
5. Bugg a pain in the Sidebottom
Melbourne has not generally played a run-with player in 2016, even after the success Bernie Vince and Jack Viney (to a certain extent) enjoyed last season. But after Steele Sidebottom had seven disposals and a goal in the first quarter, Paul Roos decided to revert back to the tactic. He sent the niggling Tomas Bugg to the Pies' prime mover with great success. Bugg kept Sidebottom to just 10 more disposals for the match as he applied the defensive clamps. Bugg won 21 disposals and had eight tackles to be one of Melbourne's most important players on the day.
