1. Brave Bombers stand up
Some didn't think Essendon would win a game this season, but just two rounds in, John Worsfold's depleted Dons are celebrating a famous victory. Last year the Bombers overcame Hawthorn in a round two thriller thanks to Cale Hooker's heroics, this time – on the day the club wanted to 'Make a Stand' for its future – those left behind since the Court of Arbitration for Sport decimated the playing list ground out a thrilling triumph. Young stars Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish – who brought the house down with the match-sealing goal – were magnificent, while top-ups James Kelly and Mathew Stokes chipped in for a wonderful win. The roar at the final siren was something to behold. 

Full match coverage and stats

2. More pain for Dees fans
Melbourne's long-suffering supporters might've known better than just to expect it to be easy to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since round 14, 2011 and a 2-0 start to the season for the first time since 2005. That's exactly how it unfolded, with more soul-searching ahead for Paul Roos' men. Simply put, the Bombers worked harder, wanted it more and were better for longer on a bitterly disappointing day. Questions have to be asked about the Demons' intensity early on in what was always going to be an emotional day for Essendon. 

3. Dominant Daniher's goalkicking yips return
In his 50th game, Joe Daniher showed he is fast stepping up as one of AFL's most damaging key forwards, capable of tearing games apart. It's easy to forget the 22-year-old spearhead is still finding his way. His aerial dominance on Saturday pointed to a player on the cusp of taking the step towards being elite. Daniher ran rings around the Demons, taking 15 marks – 10 contested – and booted 2.4 with two out on the full. The young gun has worked on his goalkicking with Dons legend Matthew Lloyd, but it's still the one area of his game that lets him down. Watch out once it all clicks.  

4. Jeffy flicks on the jets
After a shoddy start, the Dees needed a spark and Jeff Garlett delivered with one of the goals of the year in the second term. With acres of space to work in, Garlett found himself one-out against Mark Baguley under a high ball. The livewire small forward expertly edged Baguley under the flight, scooped up the crumbs near the 50m line and, knowing he had the Bomber covered for pace, switched on the afterburners. Garlett could've bombed on his left, might've snapped a checkside on his right boot, but instead held Baguley at bay as he took three cheeky bounces and banged through an inspirational goal from the square. 

5. Persistence pays off for unlucky Bombers
Many wondered if Nick Kommer would make it back to play senior football, so it was uplifting to see the 25-year-old return after 952 days on the sidelines and hit the scoreboard in an exciting second term. Kommer was swamped by teammates after slotting a free-kick in the goalsquare – a nice moment after his battle back from three bouts of knee surgery. First-game defender Michael Hartley, who endured his own tribulations with shoulder trouble at Collingwood before being delisted, then got into the act by slotting a 55m bomb, complementing an encouraging debut down back.