1. Welcome back Phil
Less than three months after badly injuring his kidney in the round one victory over the Sydney Swans, co-captain Phil Davis was back in GWS colours in the reserves on Saturday night. Having spent nearly two weeks in hospital and undergoing a series of surgeries, it was a great sight and warmly welcomed by the Spotless Stadium crowd. He earned a particularly loud cheer when he drifted forward to kick a goal in the final term of the 104-point thrashing of NT Thunder. "I was really anxious and nervous before the game," Davis said afterwards. "But it was great to run around. I was very rusty, particularly early, but I got there slowly." Davis added he was hopeful of only needing one or two more weeks in the reserves before making a return to senior football.
2. Questions persist over Essendon's standing
The Bombers came into the game fresh from a 50-point victory over Richmond that levelled their record at 5-5 and just outside the top eight. But question marks remain over where they sit in 2014 in the midst of a highly inconsistent campaign. Solid wins over North Melbourne, Carlton and the Tigers have been offset by poor displays against St Kilda and Collingwood and unconvincing victories over the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions. The Bombers did enough to put away the GIANTS on Saturday, but doubts remain over their finals credentials.
3. A cult hero is born
Rookie Rory Lobb made his GWS debut on Saturday and wasted little time endearing himself to the home crowd. Giving up 387 games of experience to opponent Dustin Fletcher, Lobb took a couple of big grabs early and also nailed a goal with his first kick at senior level. Standing a whopping 206cm, Lobb is new to the sport and is a prospect in the ruck and up forward. Through his efforts in the NEAFL, he has also managed to get his nose in front of Jonathan Giles in the club's pecking order.
4. Daniher up and about
Young gun Joe Daniher produced a stirring performance that will have Bombers’ fans salivating even more about his future. The key forward looked at ease against the inexperienced GIANTS as he hauled down nine marks and was a constant threat up forward. He crashed packs and really relished playing on guys that were at a similar age. The only downside of his game was his wayward kicking with three goals from seven shots.
5. A fellow GIANT goes in to bat for Scully
GWS midfielder Tom Scully remains a polarising figure, perpetually judged by the enormous contract the club sent his way when he was lured away from Melbourne. He may never reach the dizzying heights expected of one of the game's highest paid players, but the club is more than content with his effort and he has earned the respect of his teammates. "I'll go into bat for 'Sculls' every day of the week," veteran GIANT Josh Hunt told SEN radio. "We see how hard he trains and his approach to his footy every day. Sometimes he's a bit unfairly judged I think and I'm not interested in what the media or people say outside the club." Scully was solid on Saturday night, finishing with 23 touches at 91.3 per cent efficiency and four inside 50s.
