1. Don’t underestimate the mental drain on the players after dealing with the tragedy of the death of former assistant coach Phil Walsh. The players were a little subdued after the extraordinary circumstances that unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning. They were a bit flat pre-game and during the breaks, but showed great resolve to get the job done.

    We're still grieving: Simpson

  2. Tough small forward Jamie Cripps is one of the keys to the season to this stage. His work ethic and impact often see him hit the scoreboard but his output should be measured on more than merely the goals that come from his boot. Against the Dees he had 16 pressure acts, was involved in nine scoring actions and had a game-high five score assists. He also covers plenty of ground and is one of those so-called ‘second tier’ players who has been important all season.

  3. Defender Brad Sheppard is another who has stepped up. After the much-talked-about absence of Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, Sheppard has become the third “tall” defender. Often fighting well above his weight division, he has been influential through the first 14 rounds. He has a great capacity to peel off and get a fist into a marking contest, sees the game folding in front of him and generally makes the right decision. His ball use is also a key element of the Eagles’ rebounding football.

    Jack attack

  4. Melbourne chose to go one-on-one all around the ground in an effort to produce contested football at all times and in doing so kept it tight until the last quarter. Eventually, though, the Eagles broke the shackles and won by 54 points. The Eagles took control right across the ground in the second half, scored six goals to one in the final term and scored a solid victory in front of an appreciative crowd.

  5. It might have been a Melbourne home game at TIO Stadium on Saturday night, but it didn’t feel like it. The majority of the record 11,500 fans at the game appeared to be in blue and gold and were certainly vocal throughout. The streets post-game seemed to be littered with West Coast supporters and they did their part in getting the Eagles over the line. It was virtually a home away from home and made the experience at the Top End memorable.