1. Saad's mixed Metricon return
While the build-up didn't match Gary Ablett levels of anticipation, this was former Suns fan-favourite Adam Saad's first game back at Metricon Stadium. It was a mixed return for the bounce-happy Bomber, who generated plenty of drive with his 19 possessions but gave away a 50m penalty and was caught holding the ball on a couple of occasions. The Suns players got stuck into him at every opportunity, particularly his direct opponent Nick Holman, who had a great game and finished with three goals for himself. 

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2. Bombers keep finals hopes alive
The Bombers needed a win against the Suns to keep their finals hopes alive. They had a wobbly start, giving up 21 inside-50s to 10 in the first quarter and lacking attacking menace. The second quarter was just as listless, with John Worsfold's men lucky to be only five points down at half-time thanks to some inaccurate kicking at goal from the Suns. But Essendon snapped into gear in the third quarter, kicking four unanswered goals to set up this win. It wasn't their prettiest win of the year, but the 44-point victory keeps the Bombers in touch with the top eight.

3. May battles on through injury
So much responsibility sits on Steven May's shoulders and the Gold Coast co-captain played a strong game despite being in obvious discomfort for most of the second half.  When the game was on the line early, May was impressive with several intercept marks and strong defensive efforts. But after crashing down following a marking contest early in the third quarter, the Suns defender was in obvious discomfort with a sore hip. While it affected his mobility, May battled on through the injury to finish with 10 marks and 19 disposals.

4. Long name lives on
Can Jake Long cement a spot in the Essendon team? A late inclusion for livewire forward Orazio Fantasia, Long managed to kick his first goal in AFL football in the second quarter after running down Jarrod Harbrow for holding the ball. While he didn't set the stat sheet alight, his goal came at a stage when the Bombers were finding it hard to score. The Long name is a big one to live up to at Essendon thanks to his father Michael, but Bombers fans will be hoping this will be the spark the young five-gamer needs to kick-start his career.

5. Suns rue wasted opportunities
The Suns should have been ahead by more than five points at half-time. While some of their shots in the first half were from outside 50m, their inaccuracy in front of goal was disastrous. It didn't get any better from there, with the Bombers blasting away with four goals to zero in third quarter – the first time Essendon has won the quarter since round nine. The Suns could only muster two goals in the last quarter, a wasted opportunity after such a bright start.