1. Concerns for McCartin
Saints forward Paddy McCartin was involved in a heavy collision with Melbourne defender Neville Jetta midway through the second term that saw both players hit the turf. The pair clashed heads in the marking contest, and although they were able to get back on their feet, they soon headed for the interchange bench. McCartin appeared to come off worse than Jetta, who had his jaw examined while off the ground, with the Saints' No.1 draft pick heading down the race for further concussion tests. The 22-year-old has had a history of concussion issues, with several head knocks since arriving at the Saints at the end of 2014, so clearly his time off the ground brought on some nerves from the St Kilda faithful. But, in a sign of relief for the Saints in their 39-point loss, McCartin returned to the field in the third quarter and was cleared of any concussion problems.
DEES DOWN SAINTS: Full match coverage and stats
2. Brayshaw's best
It was a challenging start to the season for Angus Brayshaw, who was left out of Melbourne's side until round four. But the past two weeks have shown what the talented midfielder can bring to Melbourne's on-ball unit with more time around the ball. Brayshaw was good against Essendon in the Dees' round six win with 21 touches, but he bettered that against the Saints as he racked up a career-high 33 disposals. He was tough in the clinches, courageous in the air and clean by hand, finding 12 disposals in a busy first term and that set the tone for his afternoon. Like McCartin, Brayshaw has had his share of concussion issues since being drafted, but with an extended go in Melbourne's midfield this year he will be hoping to stamp himself on the competition. Sunday was a big step towards that.
3. Ruck and rumble
Melbourne big man Max Gawn was involved in some pre-game niggle before the opening bounce as both sides prepared to line up for the start of the contest, but it seemed to only stir him into action. Gawn, who was excellent last week against Essendon, begun the game strongly and had seven touches and 11 hit-outs by quarter time. His direct opponent Tom Hickey managed to even up the battle a touch from there, with Hickey collecting 17 touches, 26 hit-outs and a goal in a solid display to Gawn's 34 hit-outs and 20 disposals. But Gawn also kicked a goal, and has shown more of a willingness to push forward and be a target there this season (he has only reached double figures of goals in one season of his career, 16 in 2016) as he continued his brilliant form.
4. Petracca bites back, Hogan shines
There was some doubt over Christian Petracca's availability heading into the clash after the Melbourne star missed last week with a dog bite to his finger. Petracca even admitted he could have lost the finger had he left the infection to linger. But the explosive half-forward/midfielder was cleared to play and showed no signs of the unusual injury affecting his game, gathering 15 disposals and a goal and making things happen as is his style. Hogan was even better, overcoming a knee injury from last week to enjoy a brilliant outing. The key forward kicked three goals from 25 disposals in a damaging performance.
5. St Kilda's goalkicking woes continue
The Saints started the round having kicked the fewest goals of any side in the competition so far this season (52). To turn that around they needed to do something about their shocking inaccuracy, having converted just 40 per cent of their shots. But the first term on Sunday showed they still have plenty of work to do in that area, with Jade Gresham and McCartin both kicking two behinds for the quarter and the Saints scoring 2.5 to Melbourne's 5.1. It didn't get any better after that, and for the sixth straight week, the Saints kicked more behinds than goals (9.13). The misses have become so contagious that St Kilda supporters even gave Luke Dunstan a Bronx cheer when his running shot sailed through for a goal in the third quarter.
