1. Improved Majak can't escape Scott spray
With Todd Goldstein dumped to the VFL following a poor run of form, it was up to Majak Daw to shoulder the bulk of the ruck work for North Melbourne on Saturday. It was just his sixth game for the season, and his first as a solo ruckman. It was a slow start from the big man, with Essendon counterpart Tom Bellchambers doing the damage in the middle. But Daw found his confidence after half-time. Showing off his athleticism, and superior reach, the Roos' big man's tap work was brilliant, setting up North Melbourne's midfielders. While his work in the ruck contest improved, his work around the ground wasn't as good as Bellchambers. For a big man, Daw is often pushed out of marking contests way too easily, and after one particular incident in the third term, the ruckman received a mighty spray from the coach, which would have had the 195cm tall shaking in his boots.  

2. Essendon still in the hunt for finals
Saturday's game against North Melbourne was crucial to the Bombers' finals hopes. Early on it looked as though they might once again drop a game to another lowly-ranked side, but to the Bombers' credit, they increased their pressure in the second half and cleaned up their kicking. A seven-goal-to-four final term secured the Bombers their ninth victory for the season, and if other results fall their way this round, they could still find themselves inside the top eight on Sunday night. The win was also the first time since round 18, 2014 the inconsistent Bombers have won three in a row.

WATCH: Hooker comes to the fore in the fourth

3. Coleman race heats up
With six rounds remaining, and a tight race for the Coleman Medal, the contenders have to make the most of their opportunities. Essendon's Joe Daniher (45), and Ben Brown (41) began the round within striking distance of pre-round leader, Swans superstar Lance Franklin (47), and they didn't do their chances any harm. Brown was far too strong for Bomber defenders Michael Hartley and Michael Hurley, outmarking and outmanoeuvring the pair to kick six goals and take his tally for the season to 47. Daniher only added two goals to his tally and now also has 47 to his name, but was robbed of three marks inside 50. One of which could have been another mark of the year contender if Tom Bellchambers hadn't crashed into the star forward and ruined his aerial antics. 

Full match coverage and stats

4. Veterans return
Taking a leaf out of tennis champion Roger Federer's book, the Bombers gave veteran Jobe Watson a rest last week against St Kilda, and it worked a treat. The former skipper returned strongly, making his presence felt in the midfield immediately. He had 13 disposals in the opening half and five clearances. He continued his form in the second half, finishing the game with 27 possessions, 14 of those contested, seven clearances and four inside 50s. North Melbourne also welcomed back a veteran in spearhead Jarrad Waite. The Roos look a far better side with Waite playing alongside Ben Brown, and he was influential from the opening bounce. He kicked 4.2 and had eight marks and 14 disposals in what was a solid game back from a calf injury. 

5. Mixed results for Roos debuts
Forward Nick Larkey had the luxury of time to prepare for his debut on Saturday, but his teammate and fellow debutant Josh Williams wasn't so lucky. Thirty minutes before the game, Williams was given the call-up to play his first AFL match after defender Robbie Tarrant injured his back in the warm-up. The lack of preparation and warning would have flustered most, but the 19-year-old speedster took his chance, kicking a goal with his first ever kick at senior level in the opening five minutes of the game. For Larkey though, it was a shaky start to his AFL career. The Roos' No.73 pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft didn't register a possession after dropping a couple of marks and finished with just two hit-outs to his name.