1. Levi Greenwood's elbow
Collingwood tagger Levi Greenwood felled Essendon star Zach Merrett off the ball with what appeared to be an errant elbow early in the third quarter. Merrett did not move for some time as a melee erupted with Essendon players taking exception to Greenwood's act. The incident came soon after Greenwood had conceded a 50m penalty that led to a goal to Cale Hooker when Merrett led him between Hooker and the mark. Merrett left the ground to be assessed for concussion but returned 20 minutes later and kicked the opening goal of the final quarter. Greenwood was summoned to the bench for a chat with coach Nathan Buckley. Despite Merrett returning the incident is sure to keep the debate on whether red cards should be introduced.
Zach Merrett had to come off the ground following this incident involving Levi Greenwood. #AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/Ug7LXP1h07
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
2. Where to for Collingwood?
With finals out of the question, Magpies coach Nathan Buckley's coaching future is looking grim. The manner of the loss to Essendon did not help, with the Bombers attacking through the corridor from the start while Collingwood chipped the ball around carefully taking uncontested marks and struggling to put pressure on the opposition. The Bombers played on while the Magpies were stop-start in their movement and as a result kicked five unanswered goals in the first quarter after the Magpies scored the first two. The Magpies looked hesitant and did not bring the pressure or intensity required. There will be calls for change but the Magpies still need to decide whether anyone could do a better job than Buckley.
Will the buck stop with Nathan? Picture: AFL Photos
3. Orazio Fantasia is dangerous
Fantasia equalled his previous best effort of five goals when he booted a goal at the start of the last quarter, bringing his goal tally to nine against the Magpies for the season. Fantasia not only snagged goals, he also disrupted the Magpies' defence with his pace and tackling pressure. He laid five tackles and hit more than 80 per cent of his kicks in an outstanding return to form. If Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti rediscover their early season form, the Bombers will worry anyone.
Simply superb from Orazio Fantasia! #AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/wsCXpHqZMJ
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
4. Tom Bellchambers is back
The popular big man got the Bombers off to a flying start with his brilliant tap work at centre bounces. At quarter-time Essendon had six centre clearances to one and were 15 points ahead after Bellchambers kicked a goal on the siren. After missing 2016 and then suffering an injury pre-season, Bellchambers has reclaimed the No.1 ruck spot from Matthew Leuenberger. A goalkicker and a strong teammate, he even remonstrated on the bench with Taylor Adams after watching teammate Merrett being struck. His only down moment for the day was when he missed a set shot from the top of the square late in the last quarter, but his presence was a positive.
5. Stewart wins the day
James Stewart may not know the difference between former players Cam Mooney and Luke Darcy but he knows where the goals are, kicking two goals in the second quarter when the Bombers needed him. It was the first time in his 26-game career he had played in a win against Collingwood, the team that overlooked him as a father-son selection in 2012. Stewart has struggled to establish himself but he would have enjoyed playing in a winning team against the club his dad Craig represented in 115 games.
James Stewart makes the Pies pay on the turnover. #AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/SEzLgaWNHF
— AFL (@AFL) July 8, 2017
