1. Small forwards reign, but a ruckman steals the show
Until the dying seconds of the game, it was the small forwards who lit up the MCG on Friday night. Collingwood goal sneak Alex Fasolo was brilliant in attack, providing the Pies with a much-needed focal point, with spearhead Travis Cloke struggling to find form. Fasolo booted six goals from 14 disposals and six marks. At the opposite end, it was a dream debut for 20-year-old Richmond rookie Jayden Short. He booted a goal with his first kick in AFL football, and was lively up forward all night, finishing the game with three majors. But it was Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy who stole the show. With 20 seconds left on the clock, Darcy Moore took a free kick from a tight angle on the boundary line after the Tigers were pinged for deliberate out-of-bounds. He kicked to the goal square, Grundy plucking the ball out uncontested and snapping truly, with four seconds remaining, to snatch victory from the Tigers' hands. 

GAMEBREAKER: Watch Fasolo's six goals

2. The jury's still out
In November last year, Magpies recruit Adam Treloar said he chose to be traded to Collingwood over Richmond, because he thought the Pies had a "better list" capable of winning a premiership in the coming years. His comments added extra spice to Friday night's clash at the MCG with Tigers fans booing him in the opening term. As to the question of who has the "better list"? Well, neither side made a statement on that front. A scrappy first half, littered with turnovers, had many questioning whether either side was close to a premiership. But the Pies found their way, stealing the win and giving Treloar peace of mind, for now, that he made the right decision. 

WATCH: The thrilling final two minutes

3. Injury carnage
With the likes of star midfielder Brett Deledio, recruit Chris Yarran and ruckman Ivan Maric already on the sidelines, the last thing Richmond needed was more injuries. It started at the end of the first quarter with defender Dylan Grimes heading down to the rooms at the break with a hamstring complaint. He re-joined the huddle just before the second term but took no further part in the game. Debutant Short came off mid-way through the second quarter with a shoulder injury but managed to play out the match. Shaun Grigg (ankle) and David Astbury (hand) also received treatment throughout the game. 

4. Rough Tigers
As if the night couldn't get worse for Richmond, two Tigers face a nervous wait ahead of Monday's Match Review Panel findings. Jacob Townsend was the first to be reported, for rough conduct against Jackson Ramsay in the opening term. Both players went to ground for the ball with Townsend's shoulder making contact with Ramsay's head. Six minutes later Nick Vlastuin was booked for contacting Taylor Adams high with his elbow. Of the two incidents, Vlastuin's looked worse with the 21-year-old likely to have a case to answer, while Townsend should be in the clear.

Click here for full match details and stats

5. Ugly banner mars win
Outraged footy fans took to social media on Friday night when an offensive banner was erected beneath an MCG scoreboard during the match. Emblazoned on the three-meter sign was, “Go Pies! Stop the Mosques”. Security was eventually notified and the responsible patrons evicted but it left a sour taste for many footy fans. Pies president Eddie McGuire said after the game the fans responsible should be banned, while the AFL released a statement condemning the actions. The League said it will continue to work with police and security to discuss the matter further.