1. Dees' finals dream over
After North Melbourne's loss to the Swans on Saturday, the Demons' finals hopes were still well and truly alive. But for a team that had so much to play for, Melbourne just never looked likely. The Blues were on from the first bounce and set the tone for the match, etching out an early 20-point lead halfway through the opening term. The Dees never really recovered with Carlton stamping out what was left of their finals hopes. North Melbourne is now assured their place in September, even if they lose to the Giants next Saturday night. 

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2. Blues break losing streak
The win for the Blues saw them snap a nine-game losing streak, and notch up their seventh victory for the year. It has been a stunning turnaround in 2016 for Carlton under new coach Brendon Bolton, with most tipping the club to take a step backwards from their four wins last season. There is plenty to like about this young Blues team, with Dylan Buckley bagging a career-best three goals in the win. Carlton faces traditional rival Essendon next Saturday afternoon at the MCG in their final game of the season.

3. Where's the whistle?
The Melbourne faithful were not happy with the men in green at the main break after the Demons were awarded just the one free kick for the half. The red and blue army erupted into loud cheers when midfielder Bernie Vince was on the receiving end of a free kick halfway through the second term. In stark contrast, the Blues were on the end of 12 frees in the first half. Melbourne earned four more free kicks for the game, bringing the final total to five against Carlton's 20. It will no doubt be an interesting game to review for Hayden Kennedy and the umpiring department at AFL House.

4. The Gibbs and Cripps show
Carlton dominated in the middle from the first bounce with Bryce Gibbs and Patrick Cripps leading the charge. The Blues' acting captain ran hot in the opening term amassing 14 disposals, four clearances and three inside 50s. By half-time, he had 26 touches but more importantly, Gibbs and Cripps had 13 clearances between them compared to Melbourne's 14 for the first half. Melbourne tightened up on Gibbs in the third term, restricting the midfielder to just two touches, but the damage was already done. Cripps was a clearance machine, finishing the game with 30 possessions, 12 clearances and a whopping 13 tackles. Gibbs had 33 touches and eight clearances at the final siren. The pair had 20 of the Blues' 41 clearances between them, while Melbourne had just 26 for the game. 

5. Handball happy Demons
Melbourne was far too handball happy against Carlton on Sunday. The Demons overused the football, constantly handballing themselves into trouble and turning the ball over. At the main break, Paul Roos' men had used the football by hand 107 times, and kicked the ball just 84 times. The handball to kick ratio evened out in the second half, but even so the Dees finished the game with 191 kicks and 203 handballs. Carlton on the flipside, played more direct football with 221 kicks to 153 handballs for the game.