1. De Goey buzz set to intensify
There was already buzz around Jordan De Goey after his 12 goals in three weeks earlier this season, but it's set to rise to a new level after his performance on Queen's Birthday. De Goey, who is yet to re-sign beyond this season at the Magpies, was the best player on the ground against Melbourne – and it wasn't even close. The smooth mover did his damage in the midfield, rather than up forward, gathering 30 disposals, 12 inside 50s and three goal assists in a tremendous game. Although he had just nine disposals after half-time, De Goey's impact early in the game was telling. The young Magpie had 10 disposals, six inside 50s and three score assists in the first quarter alone, setting up a famous Collingwood victory. Tall American Mason Cox was dominant up forward with five goals, but De Goey was the difference early and there's little wonder why clubs are queuing up to try to steal him away.
CLASSY PIES PREVAIL Full match coverage and stats
2. Confusion aplenty with contact below the knees
Collingwood's Taylor Adams was incensed and there were many indignant football followers feeling the same way when the umpire penalised him for diving into the legs of Demon opponent Joel Smith. Adams was desperate to force the ball his team's way but was adjudged to have illegally slid into Smith. Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield tweeted 'Seriously' in reference to the adjudication, while Collingwood great Mick McGuane questioned whether the rule was testing the spirit of the game. There has been criticism for the rule already this year but it's set to go up a notch after Monday's ruling.
What's your decision?
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) June 11, 2018
Taylor Adams was penalised for a free kick after this...#AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/vgxs01awHC
3. And then there was one…
Leading into Monday's clash, Melbourne's Jesse Hogan and Collingwood's Will Hoskin-Elliott were the only players in the competition to have kicked a goal in all 11 games this season. With Hogan going goalless for the first time this season against the Magpies, Hoskin-Elliott is now the last man standing. Hoskin-Elliott (four goals) continued his stellar form and was again a major factor in a Collingwood victory. He has been a superb pick-up from Greater Western Sydney after being traded to Collingwood at the end of 2016.
De Goey goes, and it's a big goal courtesy of WHE for @CollingwoodFC!
— AFL (@AFL) June 11, 2018
The Pies are back out to an 18-point lead. #AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/9APTRLCRnE
4. Smith answers casting call for Lever's spot
The big question for Melbourne through the week was how it was going to replace Jake Lever, who will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL. Fourth-gamer Joel Smith got the nod and did his chances of holding onto the role little harm with an accomplished display across half-back. Smith, the son of former Demon Shaun, has great athleticism and it was on display against the Magpies. However, his influence was greater than that with a couple of key spoils, intercept marks and a chargedown on a handball that saved a certain goal in the third term hugely important. Smith is highly rated at the Demons and will look to establish himself in Melbourne's back six the longer the year goes on.
5. Eager fans pack into the MCG on Queen's Birthday
The fifth-highest crowd ever recorded for a Melbourne home game packed into the MCG for a highly-anticipated showdown on Queen's Birthday Monday. The 83,518 supporters who turned up saw Melbourne's six-game winning streak snapped and Collingwood's impressive run of four wins on the trot continue. The crowd was also the third-highest ever for a home and away match between Melbourne and Collingwood. It was also the biggest crowd the teams have played in front of since 2006, eclipsing the 78,733 crowd that turned up that day. The Fight MND message was clear for all to see with many in the crowd decked out in blue beanies.
Hot Pies at the MCG!
— AFL (@AFL) June 11, 2018
Mason Cox has two, and then a Josh Thomas goal has the Magpie Army roaring! It's a 32-6 lead. #AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/1VMlUzU1tW