1. Take Essendon lightly and you might bomb out A few of John Worsfold's men were on their haunches at the main break but their effort was appreciated by a crowd in red and black that had nothing but respect for the efforts of their players. Despite the huge difference in talent levels between the two teams, it was Essendon who was willing to do what it took to win the game. The Bombers' score of 9.8 (62) at half-time was more than what they have finished with in eight of the prior 12 matches this season. GWS went on to win the game but it was Essendon, who won everyone's respect.
2. There's no substitute for experience The football world saw a brilliant display from GWS last week when the GIANTS defeated the Sydney Swans by 42 points. It seemed to be the game that showed the GIANTS' lack of experience might not be relevant come finals time, because their talent and work rate could help them overcome such factors in the pursuit for a flag. Not bringing the required intensity against the last-placed Bombers almost cost the GIANTS what should have been a comfortable victory. They need to be switched on from the outset later in the season when finals come around.
3. Essendon's Russian hero Mark Jamar was mocked last week for his efforts against Hawthorn, with many suggesting he was far from capable of being an AFL player. The man known as the big Russian came out with a point to prove, showing he could be an effective part of the Bombers' forward line. He finished with two goals and five contested marks, and was a real presence in attack. If he can provide that sort of intensity every time he takes to the field, it will release the pressure on Joe Daniher. The only downside to his game was the first quarter report for abusive language.
4. GIANTS unveil another young gun Matthew Kennedy didn't dominate from start to finish, but the man drafted at No.13 last year made an impact when it counted. His first goal came from a dubious free kick, but the composure Kennedy showed to nail the set shot was much needed by his team, putting the GIANTS in front for the first time since midway through the opening term. Soon after he crumbed a marking attempt and put the ball on his boot very quickly to extend the lead to eight points. Kennedy ended up bagging three goals with a delightful snap in the final term rounding off an encouraging debut.
5. The lowest crowd ever at Etihad Stadium for an Essendon game The Bombers had lost 10 in a row coming into the clash with the talented GIANTS, so it was hardly a surprise that few fans turned up. The crowd was just 14,463 – clearly the smallest Essendon has ever played in front of at Etihad Stadium – but they were treated to arguably the Bombers' best performance outside of their round two win over Melbourne. The game was on the line right up until the final term and those in attendance certainly made themselves heard throughout the entire contest.
