1. Melbourne is the real deal
In many eyes, St Kilda and Melbourne are the teams most likely to take a big leap up and challenge for the finals in 2017. That's why the round one clash between two on-the-rise sides, with lofty ambitions, was so intriguing. The contest did not disappoint, with St Kilda getting the better of Melbourne early in the game by forcing their opponents into turnovers and capitalising on the scoreboard. But it took the experience of Jordan Lewis, Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince to will Melbourne back and a couple of adjustments up forward which saw the Demons pile on 10 straight goals between the second and third quarters. The Demons were irresistible in the second half, as their midfield asserted itself on the contest, proving to observers that Melbourne is a legitimate contender and this is no false dawn.

Full match coverage and stats

2. Riewoldt's serious knee injury
St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt was one of the Saints' best players in his team's loss, but tragedy struck in the final term when he was stretchered from the field with what appeared to be a serious knee injury with just six minutes to play. Riewoldt, 34, got his right knee stuck in the Etihad Stadium turf after landing awkwardly as he tried to balance himself after a marking contest against opponent Oscar McDonald. The star Saint seemed to slightly hyperextend his knee as his knee copped the full jolt of the force and he instantly clasped his knee in pain. The six-time best and fairest winner knew something was not right and he received a rousing reception as he left the playing arena.

3. Hoodoo finally broken
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said during the week St Kilda's recent dominance against his side was "irrelevant". Coming into Saturday's match, the Saints had won 14 straight games against Melbourne but, after years of trying, the Demons finally found a way to turn the tide. The Demons got on top in the middle with All Australian ruckman Max Gawn outpointing nemesis Tom Hickey, gaining the advantage in hit-outs (49-18). The Demons crushed St Kilda around the footy, gathering 117 more disposals than their opponents, gaining the ascendancy in contested possessions (145-138) and clearances (44-31) to mark Goodwin's first game in charge with an impressive victory.

4. Smith's shocking luck on debut
The Demons have high hopes for former basketballer Joel Smith and he was deserved his debut after an impressive summer where he turned plenty of heads. But the athletic defender's first game will not be one he remembers fondly after Smith, the son of former Demons high-flyer Shaun, dislocated his left shoulder in the first quarter. The 21-year-old got his outstretched arm caught in the turf and immediately clutched at his left shoulder in pain. After spending almost 30 minutes in the rooms, Smith re-emerged on the bench with his arm in a sling and was consoled by concerned teammates.

5. Saints' delayed start matters little
St Kilda must not have realised its match against Melbourne started at the unusual time of 4.35pm, because the Saints found themselves running out on the ground just two minutes prior before the match was due to start. Umpire Ray Chamberlain gave them the hurry along and the Saints players did not even get the opportunity to do a proper warm up before they were starting the match. The limited preparation did not seem to affect the Saints as they charged out of the blocks with a rampant first term that saw them slam home six goals to Melbourne's two. However, it is likely the Saints will be fined by the AFL for their tardiness as teams must adhere to the League's strict timelines prior to a match.