1. Man's best friend: Caleb loses longtime companion
Little Bulldog Caleb Daniel lost a longtime 'companion' amid the joys of victory. Daniel's protective helmet, that he has worn since his junior days, was so badly damaged in a third-quarter incident that he was forced to abandon the precious headgear. He had always promised his Mum that he would wear it and you can imagine the concern watching her boy hit the contests minus his trademark accessory for most of the second half. Coach Luke Beveridge said he didn't realise Daniel was playing without the helmet until assistant Daniel Giansiracusa mentioned it. "I didn't realise he didn't it on until right at the end there. I think 'Gia' said he has had it since he was 10, so (we) might have to have a burial at a service during the week and get him a new one," Beveridge said.

2. Young stars go head to head
Fans were treated to an intriguing duel from two of the game's finest young onballers that compensated for the scrappy contest. Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli and Blue Patrick Cripps fought for midfield supremacy and both often underlined their silky skills. Cripps eventually finished with 32 disposals to edge ahead by two on the night. It was a welcome return to top form by Bontempelli with 30 possessions, well above his early season average of 20. 'The Bont's' contribution would have been even more pronounced except for two posters from set shots in an error-riddled third term, although he faded with just five touches in the last quarter.

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3. Blue seals the deal
Carlton's decision to extend Zac Fisher's contract until the end of 2021 looks timely as the 19-year-old continued to blossom in the midfield group. He gathered 28 possessions with his ball-getting ability in heavy traffic in another assured display by the West Australian in just his 23rd game. He was a rare shining light on another disappointing primetime night appearance. 

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4. Dog's dangerous tackle
Will Bulldogs defender Bailey Williams endure a nervous weekend? His wrap-and-sling on young Blue Zac Fisher was dangerously in the spear-tackle category in the first quarter. While Fisher's head hit the turf, in Williams' favour was the Carlton teenager showing no ill-affects as he regained his feet and slotted a goal from 30m with the free kick.

5. Prime time shockers
Just to compound Carlton's woes, this was its 11th consecutive Friday night defeat. The Blues have failed miserably under the spotlight of the coveted TV spot when club sponsors generally get a good run for their money. At least this one wasn't anywhere near the shame of the average 67-point losses in that barren run and they haven't won on a Friday night since round 23, 2014.