1.When the lights went on, the Dees came out to play
On the fourth attempt in Alice Springs, Melbourne finally cracked its duck. But it only came when the lights at TIO Traeger Park took affect. With the first half played in daylight, the Suns were cleaner and more efficient with the ball in scooting to a five-goal lead. But once the picturesque backdrop disappeared and was replaced with artificial light, the Demons steamrolled their way to victory, kicking 14 of the game's final 18 goals. They outworked the Suns and had more numbers to most contests, winning disposals (443-371), clearances (37-35) contested possessions (165-148) and most tellingly inside 50s (71-40) to thoroughly deserve their fifth win of the season.

Full match coverage and stats

2. Captain Jones turns the match
With his team trailing by 30 points early in the third quarter and treading water, it was Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones who took the game over. Jones had 12 disposals and two goals in the third quarter alone to drag the Demons back into the contest. His second goal from a 45m set shot late in the term, with a gusty wind blowing across the ground, put his team in front for the first time in the match. Melbourne never looked back. Jones got great midfield support from Clayton Oliver (35 disposals), Jordan Lewis (29) and Dom Tyson (28), but his contribution was immense.

3. Keeping Tom Lynch quiet
After being tormented by key forwards during the first nine weeks of the season (think of Jack Riewoldt's six goals and five to Ben Brown and Tom Hawkins), Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin had a simple answer to slowing down Suns spearhead Tom Lynch - double team him. Right from the opening bounce Lynch not only had his direct opponent but one, and often two, Demons players playing right in front of him. Lynch still managed two goals from 16 disposals, and despite creating chances for his small forwards (including Brandon Matera, who kicked three), it was a win for the Dees.

Tom Lynch had little space to operate on Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos


4. Jack Leslie continues to impress
One rare bright light on a dim night for the Suns was the form of tall defender Jack Leslie. Before the season one of the biggest problem areas on their list was the depth of key defenders behind Steven May and Rory Thompson, but Leslie is quickly alleviating those concerns. Playing just his 13th career game, the 22-year-old held up strongly against a torrent of first-half inside 50s. In the second term, with the Demons kicking with a nice breeze, Leslie controlled the back 50, taking a number of saving marks. He finished with 14 disposals and eight marks (five contested). Thompson will need to work his way back through the NEAFL for fitness and will then have a fight on his hands to win his spot back.

5. Down goes the goal umpire
Poor goal umpire Luke Walker won't remember much of the game after he was taken from the field inside three minutes. With a quick chain of possessions, Gold Coast small forward Sean Lemmens threw the ball on his boot from close range to kick a goal – and hit poor Walker in the head in the process. He bounced back to his feet to signal the goal, but the blow came from close range and Walker was replaced by Dylan Benwell shortly after.