1. Lions end their losing streak
After 12 straight losses, the contest against the Bombers loomed as crucial for Justin Leppitsch's job security. While he may yet be sacked, losing to an Essendon side missing so many of its key players could have sealed his fate. However, the Lions showed enthusiasm throughout the contest, and dominated the midfield battle. The leaders stood up, with Tom Rockliff (38 disposals), Pearce Hanley (31), Ryan Bastinac (30), and Dayne Zorko (28) all among those who shone. If Leppitsch's team can maintain this standard throughout the final few rounds, he may yet see out his contact, which runs until the end of 2017.

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2. Aaron Francis lives up to the hype
Essendon fans have wanted to see the man drafted at No.6 last year after constantly hearing about his intercept marking and rebound from defence in the VFL. With three intercept marks in the first half alone, Francis showed in his debut that he could translate his form to the top level. One exciting effort in the third quarter saw him fend off a couple of would-be tacklers, although his kick into the forward line did not hit the desired target. In any case, if this game is any indication of what can be expected of Francis, his power and contested grabs are likely to become common sights for many years to come.

3. Disappointment for Dons fans
It may have been 17th (Brisbane Lions) versus 18th (Essendon), but judging by the size of the crowd (34,869), Bombers fans were excited about this match. They entered the contest as favourites after a couple of competitive performances against St Kilda and Richmond. However, Essendon was consigned to a club record 15th consecutive loss, all but confirming the Bombers would be picking up the wooden spoon. John Worsfold's men have showed impressive effort for much of the season but they had too few contributors on Sunday, especially in the middle.

4. Another scalp for Mitch Robinson
After being one of four winners of the best and fairest in his first season at the club, the evolution of Robinson's game in 2016 has seen him improve as a player. His competitiveness has him suited to the tagging role he has been assigned, and against Essendon it was gun midfielder David Zaharakis who had the clamps applied. Zaharakis finished with just 13 disposals, and the Bombers missed the class and work at stoppages he has often provided this season.

5. Courtenay Dempsey didn't do himself any favours
If Dempsey, who is uncontracted for next season, wants to continue his career, he will have to deliver at a much higher level than what he did against the Lions. He collected 15 disposals and was largely terrible with his kicking. He snapped a goal in the final term but that came when the result had all but been decided. At 28, Dempsey wouldn't want too many more poor matches if he wants to be at the club when the banned Bombers return.