1. Dons secure Melbourne elimination final, Blues could sink
Complacent at times, the Bombers ensured they will play a 'home' elimination final next weekend by the skin of their teeth. After the draw, Essendon can't be caught in seventh spot and will face North Melbourne in what promises to be a cracking sudden death final. Carlton ended its campaign 7-1-14, the Blues' worst record since 2007. They are clinging to 13th on the ladder by two points but could drop two rungs if the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions win their final games against GWS and Geelong, respectively.
2. Bombers blitz after slow start
The worst and best of Essendon was on display against Carlton. With a finals berth locked-in, the Bombers' minds looked elsewhere in the first term as the Chris Judd-led Blues ran riot. A mini tirade fired by coach Mark Thompson at quarter-time sparked his troops into action, and the Bombers responded with 8.3 - their best term of the year. Their pressure was up and they played the brand of football that might worry North Melbourne as they hit the front by 30 points in the third term. But once again the Bombers took the foot off the pedal and let the Blues back in. It certainly wasn't the ideal preparation for a cut-throat final.
3. The rebirth of Watson?
Carlton has flagged a list overhaul after a disappointing campaign and one player whose spot might be under scrutiny impressed on Saturday. Defender Matthew Watson, who is contracted for next season, was thrown forward by coach Mick Malthouse and was in everything. In his 19th career game since his round two, 2011 debut, Watson was Carlton's most dangerous forward and booted three first-half goals – he only had two career majors previously - which could and should have been more. He finished with 16 possessions, four marks and four goals.
4. Clean bump from Brock?
A controversial free-kick paid against Carlton midfielder Brock McLean is sure to stir debate this weekend. Nearing half-time, McLean laid a heavy but seemingly fair bump on Brendon Goddard, who hit the deck and didn't move as Simon White ran the ball forward. The controlling umpire paid a belated free-kick for high contact, which looked debatable at the time and after the replays. Goddard was slow to get to his feet before leaving the ground and reportedly had a bruise on his face afterwards. Spotfires flared after the incident and the big crowd – and McLean - was irate as the teams headed to the rooms at half-time.
5. Blues fall short in frantic final minute
You could argue Carlton should never have gotten so close, but the Blues should have won the game in the dying stages. With the scores level, Irish intervention in midfield by Zach Tuohy and Ciaran Sheehan delivered Bryce Gibbs a 50m set shot to win the match inside the final minute. Gibbs got under his kick and it lacked the necessary penetration. Four-goal hero Matthew Watson strangely chose to attempt a mark rather than rush a behind two metres from the goal-line and the ball spilled forward with Cameron Wood also wasting a chance to tap the ball over the goal-line. The Bombers scrambled and held on for a draw and a 'home' final, with the siren sounding as the Blues threatened another forward 50m entry.
