1. Schneider rues missed opportunities
With around six minutes to go, veteran Adam Schneider had a chance to put the Saints up by 10 points. Directly in front of goal 40m out, Schneider's kick was offline, keeping Essendon's chances alive. The Bombers kicked the ball out from their defensive 50 with the footy falling into the hands of explosive midfielder Travis Colyer. The young Bomber weaved through heavy traffic, took a couple of bounces, and goaled to put his side up by a point with five minutes to go. Three minutes later Schneider had another opportunity to clinch the game for the Saints but once again his snap from about 10m out was off-target, leaving the Saints to rue his missed opportunities.

2. Key forwards stand tall
It was an old fashion shoot out under the closed roof of Etihad Stadium on Sunday with key forwards Josh Bruce and Jake Carlisle going goal-for-goal at either end. Bruce has been the No.1 target in attack for the Saints in 2015 and he continues to grow with confidence every week. He finished with five goals and 17 disposals while down the other end, Jake Carlisle bounced back after a disappointing performance against the Pies on Anzac day. Carlisle kicked four goals and provided a much-needed focal point for the Bombers up forward with Joe Daniher having a day to forget. The 21-year-old was subbed out of the game at three-quarter time with a miserable three disposals to his name.

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3. Red hot Armitage
David Armitage has stepped up this season to lead the young Saints in the absence of skipper Nick Riewoldt and veteran midfielder Leigh Montagna. The Saints midfielder was brilliant on Saturday with his attack on the football helping to set the tone for his teammates. Armitage finished with 35 disposals and 11 clearances and was the Saints' best player. After just five rounds, Armitage is already recording career-best figures. The 26-year-old is averaging 30 disposals per game in 2015, and in round two against Gold Coast gathered a career-high 36 possessions. 

4. To bounce or not to bounce?
The umpires had real issues with the centre bounces on Sunday with at least five recalled in the first half. The rogue bounces held up the game and also wasted approximately three seconds per each bounce that was recalled. That lost time proved pivotal at the end with the siren beating the Saints as they charged forward in the dying seconds. It begs the question should we just ditch the centre bounce and throw it up instead? Last year AFL football operations boss Mark Evans indicated he had no intention of removing one of the game's most unique features in the near future, but perhaps that needs to be revisited. 

5. Not forgiven or forgotten
Around two-and-a-half years have passed since Brendon Goddard made the decision to leave St Kilda and head to Essendon. And it's clear Saints fans at Etihad Stadium on Sunday still haven't forgiven or forgotten the betrayal. The St Kilda faithful booed and heckled Goddard every time he touched the ball. But it was the Bombers midfielder who had the last laugh, finishing the game with 28 touches, a goal and more importantly the win.