1. Pressure lifts at Tullamarine
All eyes were on the Bombers to see how they would respond to a humiliating 110-point defeat to St Kilda, and under-fire coach James Hird's inexperienced outfit stood up. Home truths were spoken at a team meeting on Monday after five-straight losses, and the Dons came out with a ferocity that was totally lacking against the Saints. Without Jobe Watson and with stand-in skipper Dyson Heppell well held by Jack Viney, the Bombers were inspired by Michael Hurley's brilliant defensive efforts and five goals in the wet from Joe Daniher. It was only their second win from six games against Melbourne and, at least for this week, Tullamarine will be a much happier place. 

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2. Dark day for disappointing Dees
Many experts believed this was the Demons' most important match in recent memory, so where does Saturday's loss leave the building side? Melbourne couldn't live up to the favourites tag, surely deflating fans still basking in the upset win over Geelong three games ago. Melbourne's forwardline was dysfunctional until Tom McDonald was swung forward and its midfield couldn't capitalise on Max Gawn's terrific ruck work. The Dees have as many wins at the same stage last season (four) when they lost their final 10 matches. Paul Roos has a big job avoiding another fade-out. 

3. Daniher shoots the lights out
He's been in the gun all-too-often this season but, with the Dons' year slipping into the abyss, Joe Daniher stood up and delivered a match-winning performance. After booting 1.8 in his previous four matches, the 21-year-old took the responsibility on his shoulders and bagged 5.0 – all from set shots, which will no doubt please goalkicking coach Matthew Lloyd. Daniher struck the ball beautifully, celebrated wildly after each goal and could almost be seen filling up with confidence. His three-goal third term, when he took Tom McDonald to the cleaners, and fifth major to ice the game will do wonders for the emerging superstar's development. 

4. Baby Bombers show some pluck
The Dons fielded 12 players with under 40 games experience and there was a bit to like about some of the youth on display – particularly dangerous forward Shaun Edwards (two goals) and debutant Jayden Laverde, the 20th pick in last year's draft. Laverde, a smooth-moving half-forward, showed plenty of smarts to get into the right spots, despite only gathering six touches. It wasn't such a good return to football for Alex Browne (six disposals, four marks) after his knee reconstruction, lasting less than a half before being subbed out with concussion in his first game since round 23, 2012. 

5. Gawn delivers again
Big Max Gawn came of age in Melbourne's win over Geelong in round 12, and the ruckman was a dominant figure in the loss to Essendon. With only part-timers Shaun McKernan and Joe Daniher to contend with, the 208cm and 111kg giant threw his weight around as the Dees controlled clearances early. The 23-year-old was particularly influential early in the second term with his brilliant tap-work finding teammates outside the heavy congestion, setting up attacking thrusts. He finished with 19 touches, 58 hit-outs, six marks and four tackles.