1. Gawn but not forgotten, bring on Max's return
Without the services of star ruckman Max Gawn and back-up big man Jake Spencer due to injury, the Demons have been forced to get creative in the ruck. Cameron Pedersen, Tom McDonald and Jack Watts have all fought manfully and the clearance numbers have not been too adversely affected. But Melbourne's disadvantage in the ruck was exposed by Collingwood and Brodie Grundy. The Magpies smashed the Demons in the hit-outs (65-14) and that translated into a clear advantage in clearances in the first half. The Demons managed to close the gap in the second half, breaking even in clearances (35-35), but it was worrying sign. Spencer returned via the VFL after seven weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. But it is Gawn's impending return against the Western Bulldogs next Sunday that is paramount to Melbourne's finals hopes.

2. Melbourne moves into the top eight
There was plenty on the line for both sides at the MCG on Monday. Locked on five wins apiece, a spot in the top eight awaited the victor, and after the Brisbane Lions upset Fremantle, sixth position on the ladder was up for grabs. Collingwood had all the early running and led by 28 points at the 19-minute mark of the second term as Melbourne's habit of producing a bad quarter (it allowed the Magpies to kick 45 points, including five goals in a row, in the second term) threatened to take the game away from the Demons. But playing with a newfound freedom after half-time, the Demons booted nine goals to the Magpies' five to seize a gripping win. Melbourne held firm in the dying stages as Jack Watts' final goal proved to be the sealer.

3. Petracca is a star in the making, if not already
Young Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver has received many plaudits for an outstanding first half of the season. The praise is well deserved, but fellow youngster Christian Petracca is also putting together a fine season. The powerful forward was best afield against the Pies, booting three goals from 18 disposals. Petracca also took seven marks (five of those inside 50) and lifted when his team required him to do so. At 21, Petracca has all the skillset and belief to become one of the best players in the AFL.

4. Fasolo's return, Brown's debut
Despite the devastating result, Collingwood had plenty to celebrate on Monday. The return of Alex Fasolo after a week's break was a welcome sight for Magpies fans. The forward announced late last week he was taking a short break from the game to manage his health after a battle with depression. Fasolo booted two goals and was important for the Magpies, as his teammates were quick to run to congratulate him for his efforts. Father-son draftee Callum Brown made his debut for Collingwood and was far from overawed. Brown, the son of former captain Gavin, had 11 disposals but displayed poise, quick hands and an appetite for the contest in his first game at AFL level, suggesting there will be more to come.

5. Howe will it be beaten?
Jeremy Howe has developed a penchant for taking spectacular marks over the years, but the high-flying specialist may have taken his best yet against the Magpies on Queen's Birthday Monday. Howe soared over former teammate, and close friend, Tom McDonald, lifting off his back and getting some serious hang time as he clutched the ball close in to his chest. The former Demon won the mark of the year award in 2012 for his huge screamer sitting on Swan Heath Grundy's shoulders. Since 2011, Howe has been nominated for the weekly award 28 times, winning the nomination on 12 occasions. Howe's effort against the Magpies will be tough to beat and it's hard to think of another player who is as good an aerialist than the in-form Magpie.