View the five biggest talking points stemming from our ANZAC Day loss, in the eyes of AFL Media reporter Peter Ryan.

1. Joe Daniher's potential is untapped
He frustrates with his set shot kicking but the 200cm forward is a dynamic player who can turn the contest in an instant. His long goal out of the centre square midway through the third quarter soon after Collingwood gained the lead was the big man at his best. He also hit Josh Green with an important pass five minutes later after running down the members' wing to stamp home the advantage. Helped by Cale Hooker's presence, Daniher is becoming a factor. He sealed his first win on ANZAC Day with a goal from outside 50 that brought Essendon fans to their feet. A great game was justly rewarded with Daniher winning the Anzac Day Medal.

2. McDonald-Tipungwuti is the spark, Fantasia the eruption
A toe-poke in the first quarter from Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti that landed in Orazia Fantasia's arms and ended in a goal was an ominous sign for the Magpies who could not match the Bombers' speed at the fall of the ball. Fantasia ended with four goals, while McDonald-Tipungwuti, although goalless, laid seven tackles and was electric all day. His chase down tackle of the other hyphenated player in the game, Will Hoskin-Elliott, was a special moment. The other speedster Josh Green filled his boots too kicking three smart goals.

3. Zach Merrett was pick No.26. He is a star
He was plucked with the Bombers' first pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft as the club began to compute what effect the penalties applied because of the supplements scandal might have on their future. Then list manager Adrian Dodoro called out Zach Merrett's name with pick No.26. He looked good in 2015 but then starred in 2016 to win the club's best and fairest. On ANZAC Day with the game in the balance he took control in the final quarter, racking up 12 last-term touches to play in his first win on ANZAC Day.  

4. Set shots matter so much
It's like a broken record but at one end Josh Green and Orazio Fantasia were able to kick set shot goals while Taylor Adams and Alex Fasolo missed them at the other. One of Adams’ shots was relatively difficult but the other should have been kicked late in the third quarter. Alex Fasolo missed two gettable shots in the first half to take his tally for the season to 4.10 from set shots, with Jack Crisp also missing when it mattered before half-time. It's broken Collingwood hearts.



Taylor Adams was one of a number of Magpies who struggled to convert in front of goal. Picture: AFL Photos.

5. How much has Collingwood missed Elliott?
The Pies’ number five kicked his first goal since 2015 having missed last season with back injuries then having a delayed start to the year due to an ill-timed ankle injury. He showed he could kick goals when the odds were stacked against him, finishing with three with only Daniel Wells matching him when it came to class in the Magpie colours. Wells was very good after quarter-time kicking two goals and winning the ball around the stoppages.