Greater Western Sydney came into the game in the unprecedented position as favourites with bookmakers, following strong performances against Essendon and Collingwood. Melbourne, alternatively, headed into its first ever game at Skoda Stadium on the back of a 122-point hiding against North Melbourne. The form-line held true, with the Giants breaking a 21-game losing streak dating back to the corresponding round 19 clash last year against Port Adelaide to sing the song for just the third time in their history.
2. Cameron's pursuit of the Coleman
Well held by Tom McDonald early on, Jeremy Cameron worked his way into the game and finished with another four goals. That took his tally for the year to 54 and kept him right in the hunt for this year's Coleman Medal. For a side that only claimed its first win of the year on Saturday, that is some effort from the 20-year-old spearhead.
3. Clisby stakes his claim
On another tough day for the Demons, one bright spark was the play of mature-age recruit Mitch Clisby. The 23-year-old from Broken Hill was playing his seventh straight game and this was one of his best, contributing 22 disposals and four tackles. He also had cause for celebration after kicking his first career goal early in the third term. But there was no celebrating at full time as the Demons slumped to a shameful defeat.
4. Solo Demon continues to lead the way in the Player Ratings
In a struggling side, Nathan Jones has had another terrifically consistent season and was again among Melbourne's best against the Giants, gathering a team-high 29 touches. The performance of the reigning best and fairest winner is reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Jones sitting 81st overall, the only Demon in the top 100.
5. Giant diversity in western Sydney
Saturday's clash was labelled the Many Cultures Game to celebrate the cultural diversity in western Sydney. A Gaelic football game between Victoria and NSW was the curtain raiser, while there was a traditional Chinese lion dance and a Maori haka just prior to the opening bounce. Members of the Auburn Tigers women's Australian football team, which is predominantly Muslim, were also in attendance.
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_JD
